Ugh, Error messages….
Those 404’s pop up when an application does not understand a user’s input or fails to complete an action like it should.
It can also happen when users request an action that is not legit. For instance, a user might input the wrong spelling and be greeted with a 404.
In any case, error messages can be quite annoying.
Luckily, good UX copy has the power to ease the mind of the user, even in situations like this. By employing best practices, you can get creative with your copy and erase the stress of hitting a roadblock.
The Anatomy of a Good Error Message
An effective error message has the following qualities:
💠 It is written in plain language, not technical jargon
💠 It communicates why the user is seeing the message
💠 It also describes what steps the user can take to fix the problem
💠 It highlights the actual area where the error was made by appropriate use of color. For instance, inappropriate value or empty mandatory fields on a form can be highlighted with error messages in red font
Error messages no longer have to be dull. In fact, I’m seeing more examples of 404’s replaced with witty comments and even polite jokes. This does a great job of replacing the element of unpleasant surprise with the encouragement to try again.
Why Should You Write Error Messages?
Companies should employ UX Writers to write positive content for error pages to provoke user delight. The content has to align well with the brand and reflect a uniform voice, though, to be most effective.
Above all, a well-crafted error message shows that a company values the experience of the users.
The best case scenario is one in which error-prone conditions are eliminated. For instance, a search box could offer a list of words that will notify users to select the right word or phrase and, thus, prevent the error from happening in the first place.
Until a user interface is designed to eliminate error-prone conditions, you should make every effort to carefully craft error messages if you want happy users.
Have you seen creative error messages, lately? Comment below.
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