Mistakes are inevitable for users this is why mobile app developers create error messages. Better error messages have the potential to increase conversion rates. Do all the companies follow a better user experience? No! Some companies do fail in creating user-friendly error messages resulting in frustrated potential customers. 

Do you wonder how to create better mobile error messages? Read on to know more about the guidelines for Do’s and Don’ts of error messages to enhance the user experience. 

What Is An Error State?

Before diving deep into the topic, let’s have a quick look at what is an error state. When something goes wrong or when users make some mistakes during the registration process, a screen appears in front of the user showing the error message. The errors can occur from surprising combinations that include invalid data, incompatible user operation, and failure to connect to the server. 

1. Think prevention

Certainly, optimizing your app and creating a better error message is very essential, but preventing common mistakes is a more efficient approach. 

For instance, most of the mobile apps trigger an error message after a user types an inappropriate password combination. Instead of creating an alert after typing, let the users know that the password should be a combination of a certain number of letters and characters. In this way, possible errors can be reduced and avoid users from getting frustrated. 

Secondly, you can gray out the unsuitable data from the users to prevent the probability of choosing them. 

In the travel website, you can see the date selector where users can choose their travel dates, they also grey out the past dates to avoid the mistakes. 

2. Provide a clear explanation & solution

Your error message should be clear and contain all the necessary information on why the error occurred. A vague error message will only ignite the frustration of the customers. If you let your customers know what was the mistake in the previous attempt they can correct it in the next attempt else, they may again enter inappropriate data.  

3. Avoid fancy jargon

If there are some technical issues, due to which your users encounter an error message, then you should avoid using fancy jargon or too technical words. Ensure your message is simple, clear, and relevant information on how it can be solved. This may confuse them further, rather you can help them by directing them to the troubleshooting page where the users can find actual technical information on the issue. 

4. Don’t blame the user

Mistakes are common when a user tries to register or fill out a form, so if there are user errors, instead of making an accusation toned message, create some good message which is not perceived as an accusation. 

Explain the user about and why it occurred and let them know the different approaches to resolve it. Instead of proving an accusation error message, be gentle and graceful with your response and politely explain the procedure to fix it. 

5. Make use of appropriate colors

Usage of appropriate colors is essential to give a better feeling and smooth experience. Usage of bright red color and all capital letters may give a feeling of warning and induce stress reactions for the users. Instead make use of muted red, blue, or other colors to convey the message in a better way. 

6. Use Positive tone in the error message

Ensure to use a positive tone in your message, adding some positive spin on the error messages creates good user experience and eventually more conversion rate. 

Below are the two instances which explain the significance of using a positive tone:

A user approaches two employees to access the premium features in the app. The first employee replies, No! These features are accessible only for premium users, whereas the second employee replies! How would you like to upgrade to a premium version?  

Though both messages require paying extra for the premium version, the second employee conveyed it in a much better version.

When a user tries to enter “Headset” in the search tab to purchase, instead of giving an error message “ the item doesn’t exist”, let them know the issue and offer better suggestions. 

 Takeaway

Of course, you want users to avoid errors at all costs. But don’t make it the end of the world when they run into one. 

Adding personality and positivity to your error pages can help minimize your user’s frustration and get them back on the right track in no time. This was all about Mobile Error messages.