Error messages should be meaningful and helpful from "summary" of The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
When things go wrong, and they do so often, error messages are essential. They tell us what has happened and what to do about it. But all too often, they are worse than useless. They are designed by engineers, for engineers. They are filled with numbers, abbreviations, and jargon that mean little to the average person. What do you make of an error message that says “Error 37”? Or “Code 404”? Or “Warning: LBA 0x0C2F8C8”? Or “Cannot find server”? These are real error messages, and they are real examples of failures in design. They are not simple, clear, or coherent. They lack the logical sequencing needed to guide the user to a solution. They do not use transition words or phrases to help the user understand what has gone wrong and what to do next. They are inconsistent in tone and style, making it hard to discern the severity of the problem. And they often have poor grammar and syntax, adding to the confusion. To create meaningful and helpful error messages, designers must understand the context in which they will be encountered. They must use natural language that is familiar and easy to understand. They must engage the reader by acknowledging the problem, expressing empathy, and offering a solution. They must provide clear instructions on how to resolve the issue, using plain language and avoiding technical jargon. They should anticipate common user errors and provide guidance on how to prevent them. They should be concise and to the point, without unnecessary information that could distract or confuse the user. And they should be consistent in tone and style, so that users can quickly recognize and interpret them. By following these principles, designers can create error messages that are not only informative but also reassuring. They can help users navigate through the frustration of failure and guide them towards a successful resolution. Error messages should be a valuable tool in the user experience, not a barrier to it. They should be designed with the user in mind, with simplicity, clarity, and coherence as guiding principles. When done right, error messages can turn a negative experience into a positive one, leaving users feeling supported and empowered.
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