Interaction principle
Error recovery in UX design
Design error messages that explain what happened, where the problem is and how the user can recover.
In one sentence
A useful error message helps the user recover, not merely announces failure.
Why it matters
Generic errors force users to diagnose the interface themselves and often cause repeated failed attempts.
Applied example
Instead of “Something went wrong”, place a clear message next to the invalid field and explain the expected format.
What to remember
- Place guidance near the problem.
- Explain how to fix it.
- Preserve user input whenever possible.
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