Error messages
Your error messages could be the last straw for users to move forward or abort the process in the middle. Use this guide to help users navigate their way and turn their delay into an experience.
Tone profile
assistive
friendly
positive
Remember to
- Provide a solution to users
- Avoid using technical jargons
- Put statements in positive form
- Don’t take the humor overboard
- Avoid using condescending language
- Avoid using the word ‘error’ in the error message
- Avoid error summaries with long paragraphs
- Avoid sounding robotic to the user
Inline validation errors
Hey, that mobile number looks familiar. Want to sign in?
Sorry! We don’t recognize that ID. Please try again.
These passwords look poles apart. Please recheck.
Mobile number already registered please sign in to proceed.
Organization Code/ID entered is not valid. Try again.
Passwords do not match.
Blocking errors
Breathe in… Breathe out… Breathe in… Breathe out… Till the time we fix this issue for you.
You have stepped into the most deserted space called 404. Let’s get you back home.
Please wait while we are trying to fix the issue.
Warning errors
You’ve still got some unfinished goals.
Don’t worry this is not the last resort.
There are some unfinished goals!
Try again, Fail again, Fail better!
Checklist to remember
- Be direct but never robotic
- Be friendly but never cocky
- Don’t take the humor overboard
- Don’t take the humor overboard
- Avoid technical jargons
- Sound positive