A search bar to help users find something specific.Links that may send users down an alternative path, or to the home page.Consistent header and footer from the main site (navigation especially!).A clear notification that the page cannot be found.The cause could be a:Ī successful 404 error message design will help a user find the information they’re looking for, and encourage them to explore your site further.Ĭustomize your 404 error message text to include the following: To create the best error messages for a 404 page, it’s important to know what type of website error this is.Ī 404 error message means that a page is not found. The default, generic error message provided by a user’s browser can often be unhelpful and vague. It’s one of the most important types of error messages to get right!ĥ. Start with your login error first, when improving the overall user experience of your website.
If a username does not exist, they tell you before you even attempt a password.Ĭlear and visible password error messages reduce the amount of work a user has to do, in order to determine the right combination. The stress of forgetting a username/password combo is alleviated on the MailChimp website. When the average user has 10 passwords and 4 usernames at any given time, the effort can seem insurmountable (that’s 39 chances to get it wrong!). Login error messages are the worst, am I right? It’s possible that one wrong combination for a username and password could lead to multiple attempts before success is achieved…or frustration enough to quit. Your user probably won’t want to live through that again.Ī good example of this is during a login process. If it’s difficult, the only thing a user will remember is how long it took to figure out what was incorrect. Help your audience get through a task efficiently and effectively. You can have all the best error messages in the world, but if the user has to stop and think for a while to correct an error…it defeats the purpose. Piccsy uses unique and humorous illustration, coupled with a humble message when it presents a funny website error message design.ĭoing some heavy lifting for your user is usually the best way to ensure a great experience. Something went wrong, so tasteful humor is a bonus when it happens. Keep your tone lighthearted! Otherwise, it may seem like you’re trying to cover up a mistake rather than owning up to it. Now, I am not talking about funny as in face-palm-worthy (remember those Windows “task failed successfully” error messages?).Ī funny error message should still be informational, clear, and polite. How does it sound when you speak it in conversation? Click To TweetĪlthough a user may not want funny error messages when their credit card number isn’t correct, there are some situations where it might be nice to be humorous. It’s just another way to humanize your message since people respond well to imagery.Ī good way to incorporate a more human tone to your error messages, is to think about explaining it out loud to someone. Optimizing error message UX (user experience) is also a good opportunity to incorporate icons. Reassure the user that they are not ‘talking to a computer’. If someone is less comfortable with technology, an error can be a huge roadblock. How does the error message sound when you speak it in conversation? Moreover, some errors place blame on the user.Ī good way to incorporate a more human tone for more user-friendly error messages is to think about explaining it out loud to someone. Oftentimes, a generic error message can sound very technical to a consumer ( read: intimidating). Notice how Dropbox is very detailed in their error message alert for an incorrect email address, by requesting the missing character. This is especially critical if users are inputting personal data or completing a checkout process (it can cost you a lead, or worse–a sale).Ī more positive error message experience is to be told the specific problem and given a way to correct the issue.Ĭoncise guidance is necessary for the best error messages, to keep users engaged and willing to make the corrections. It can be confusing when a website error message design doesn’t offer any clarity as to what exactly went wrong. When writing the error messages, it’s important that your copy is customized to the actual error that occurred. Click To Tweetįive Ways to Create the Best Error Messages 1. Creating the best website error message is often overlooked, but it’s important for an optimal user experience.
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