Crafting Error Messages
Task: Craft thoughtful error messages to help users get back in business.
Approach:
Clear
Concise
Useful
On Brand
I wanted to maintain a human touch and a sense of personality. Brand voice and tone may alter this approach, but generally, error messages should be reassuring, not concerning to users. With no data/research to back this hypothetical experiment, I kept things generic for a universal issue.
Solution
Create copy using a reliable approach. This includes ensuring users know what went wrong and how to fix it without added jargon.
Doesn’t give users much insight as to what’s going on or what to do next.
Clearly addresses the issue and presents a solution in a concise message.
A friendlier tone adds a personal touch to the interface without seeming passive. Suggesting alternative links could also help drive engagement and maintain a positive user experience through an error.
Current error message
While the message is concise, it lacks clarity—leaving users at a dead-end.
My update
I aimed to provide a straightforward directive with a tone consistent with the brand.
Nike SNKRS App
I came across this opportunity while browsing the app for personal use. I was prompted with a pretty indeterminate error message when attempting to add a payment method.
After troubleshooting, I realized the app only allows users to save up to four credit card payment methods.
The current error message is vague and provides little direction for users to make a simple correction. To improve the user experience, I decided to construct a clear, solution-oriented message.