Nielsen heuristic · Nielsen's Heuristics
Help users recover from errors
Error messages should be plain, specific and tell people how to fix the problem.
See it
Spot the problem
Why it matters
Good errors are in plain language, say what went wrong, and suggest a fix. A hex code and an 'OK' button do none of that.
How to apply it
- Say what went wrong in human words
- Suggest the fix or the next step
- Keep the user's input so they don't retype it
Common mistakes
- Error codes with no explanation
- Blaming the user
Quick answers
What is Help users recover from errors in Nielsen's heuristics?
Error messages should be plain, specific and tell people how to fix the problem. Good errors are in plain language, say what went wrong, and suggest a fix. A hex code and an 'OK' button do none of that.
How do I apply Help users recover from errors in UI design?
Say what went wrong in human words. Suggest the fix or the next step. Keep the user's input so they don't retype it.
What are common mistakes with Help users recover from errors?
Error codes with no explanation. Blaming the user.