What is meant by "safety" in usability principles?

In the context of usability principles, "safety" primarily refers to the ability of users to recover from their mistakes. This concept emphasizes creating systems that not only minimize the risk of user errors but also offer users ways to correct these errors when they occur.

A system that incorporates safety principles allows users to undo actions, access previous states, or receive guidance on correcting errors, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. This approach recognizes that mistakes are a natural part of interaction and seeks to empower users by providing them with tools and support to navigate their errors without significant stress or loss.

While the other options touch on various aspects of usability, such as error avoidance or measures against cyber attacks, they do not encapsulate the essence of "safety" in the same impactful way. Safety is about ensuring that, even when users encounter problems, they are equipped to recover without facing undue risks or frustration. This focus on user recovery is fundamental to creating a more intuitive and forgiving user interface.