Error Message Improvement

# Error Message Improvement

Transform technical, cryptic error messages into clear, user-friendly messages that help users understand what went wrong and how to fix it.

## Error Message Principles

### 1. Clarity
- Use plain language, avoid technical jargon
- Explain what happened in simple terms
- Be specific about the problem
- Avoid blame or negative tone

### 2. Actionability
- Tell users what they can do to fix it
- Provide step-by-step instructions
- Include links to relevant documentation
- Offer alternative solutions if available

### 3. Context
- Explain why the error occurred
- Show related information (file names, values)
- Include error codes for debugging
- Timestamp for tracking

### 4. Tone
- Empathetic and helpful
- Professional but human
- Avoid technical jargon
- Never blame the user

## Error Message Structure

Every error message should include:

1. **What happened** - Clear description of the problem
2. **Why it happened** - Brief explanation (if helpful)
3. **How to fix it** - Actionable steps
4. **Additional help** - Links, contact info, error codes

## Examples of Improvements

### Before and After

❌ **Before**: `ERR_INVALID_CREDENTIALS_401`

✅ **After**: 

Unable to sign in

The email or password you entered is incorrect. Please try again.

Tips: • Check for typos in your email or password • Make sure Caps Lock is off • Reset your password if you’ve forgotten it

Need help? Contact support@example.com Error Code: AUTH-401

❌ **Before**: `NullPointerException at line 234`

✅ **After**:

Profile image missing

We couldn’t load your profile image. This might happen if the image was recently deleted or if there’s a connection issue.

What to do:

1. Try refreshing the page
2. Upload a new profile image
3. Check your internet connection

If the problem continues, contact our support team.

❌ **Before**: `ECONNREFUSED Connection timeout`

✅ **After**:

Connection problem

We’re having trouble connecting to our servers. This is usually temporary.

Try these steps:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Refresh the page in a few seconds
3. Try again in a minute

If you keep seeing this message, check our status page: status.example.com

Error: CONN-503

## Error Types and Templates

### Validation Errors

**Email Format**

Please enter a valid email address

The email address you entered doesn’t look quite right. Make sure it includes an @ symbol and a domain (like email@example.com)

**Password Requirements**

Password doesn’t meet requirements

Your password needs to: • Be at least 8 characters long • Include at least one uppercase letter • Include at least one number • Include at least one special character (!@#$%^&*)

**File Upload**

File too large

The file you’re trying to upload is larger than our 10MB limit.

Solutions: • Compress the file before uploading • Use a file sharing service for large files • Contact us if you need to upload larger files

File size: 15.3 MB | Limit: 10 MB

### System Errors

**500 Internal Server Error**

Something went wrong on our end

We’re sorry, but something unexpected happened. Our team has been notified and is working on it.

What you can do: • Try refreshing the page • Come back in a few minutes • Save your work if you’re in the middle of something

Need immediate help? Contact support@example.com

Reference: ERR-500-2025-10-15-12345

**Database Connection Error**

Temporary service interruption

We’re having trouble connecting to our database. This is usually resolved quickly.

Your data is safe. Please:

1. Wait a moment and try again
2. Check our status page: status.example.com
3. Contact support if this persists

Incident ID: DB-503-20251015

### Permission Errors

**Access Denied**

You don’t have permission to access this

This page or feature is only available to [role/plan] users.

To get access: • Upgrade your account • Contact your team administrator • Request access from [email]

Learn more about permissions: help.example.com/permissions

### Network Errors

**Offline**

You’re offline

It looks like you’ve lost internet connection.

Once you’re back online: • This page will automatically reload • Your unsaved changes are stored locally • No data has been lost

Check your network connection or try: • Switching from WiFi to mobile data • Restarting your router • Moving closer to your WiFi router

## Best Practices Checklist

- [ ] Message is written for non-technical users
- [ ] Clear explanation of what went wrong
- [ ] Actionable steps to resolve the issue
- [ ] Friendly, helpful tone (not blaming)
- [ ] Includes error code for support reference
- [ ] Links to relevant documentation
- [ ] Tested with real users
- [ ] Reviewed for accessibility
- [ ] Localized for different languages
- [ ] Includes support contact information

## Anti-Patterns to Avoid

❌ **Don't**:
- Use technical jargon or code
- Blame the user ("You entered...")
- Be vague ("Something went wrong")
- Use all caps or excessive punctuation
- Show stack traces to end users
- Use humor that might offend
- Make promises you can't keep

✅ **Do**:
- Use simple, clear language
- Be specific about the problem
- Offer helpful solutions
- Be empathetic and professional
- Provide technical details separately
- Include support options
- Set realistic expectations

## Context-Specific Considerations

### Mobile Apps
- Keep messages shorter
- Use native OS patterns
- Consider limited screen space
- Provide tap-to-copy for error codes

### APIs
- Return structured error objects
- Include error codes and types
- Provide detailed descriptions for developers
- Link to API documentation

### CLI Tools
- Format for terminal display
- Include command suggestions
- Show help flags
- Support --verbose for details

## Testing Error Messages

- Show to non-technical users
- Verify all links work
- Test on different devices/browsers
- Check accessibility with screen readers
- Translate and localize
- Monitor support tickets for confusion