Hostile Patterns in Error Messages

Premature error messages, aggressively styled fields, and unnecessarily disruptive system-status messages feel bad-mannered and increase cognitive load for users during otherwise simple tasks.


This content originally appeared on NN/g latest articles and announcements and was authored by Kate Kaplan

Summary: Premature error messages, aggressively styled fields, and unnecessarily disruptive system-status messages feel bad-mannered and increase cognitive load for users during otherwise simple tasks.



No one wants to commit an error — in life or while using an application or website. Making a mistake — while a natural part of life and often an opportunity for learning — can cause damage, result in tedious extra work, and just make people feel flustered or ashamed for not knowing exactly how to do something.

It makes sense then that not one, but two of Jakob Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics are devoted to errors:

When designing digital experiences, prioritizing error prevention and recovery is a commendable and worthwhile strategy. But some well-meaning designs attempting to adhere to these heuristics take it too far, subjecting users to overly aggressive patterns that are frustrating and distracting rather than helpful.



Read Full Article


This content originally appeared on NN/g latest articles and announcements and was authored by Kate Kaplan


Print Share Comment Cite Upload Translate Updates
APA

Kate Kaplan | Sciencx (2022-10-30T16:00:00+00:00) Hostile Patterns in Error Messages. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2022/10/30/hostile-patterns-in-error-messages/

MLA
" » Hostile Patterns in Error Messages." Kate Kaplan | Sciencx - Sunday October 30, 2022, https://www.scien.cx/2022/10/30/hostile-patterns-in-error-messages/
HARVARD
Kate Kaplan | Sciencx Sunday October 30, 2022 » Hostile Patterns in Error Messages., viewed ,<https://www.scien.cx/2022/10/30/hostile-patterns-in-error-messages/>
VANCOUVER
Kate Kaplan | Sciencx - » Hostile Patterns in Error Messages. [Internet]. [Accessed ]. Available from: https://www.scien.cx/2022/10/30/hostile-patterns-in-error-messages/
CHICAGO
" » Hostile Patterns in Error Messages." Kate Kaplan | Sciencx - Accessed . https://www.scien.cx/2022/10/30/hostile-patterns-in-error-messages/
IEEE
" » Hostile Patterns in Error Messages." Kate Kaplan | Sciencx [Online]. Available: https://www.scien.cx/2022/10/30/hostile-patterns-in-error-messages/. [Accessed: ]
rf:citation
» Hostile Patterns in Error Messages | Kate Kaplan | Sciencx | https://www.scien.cx/2022/10/30/hostile-patterns-in-error-messages/ |

Please log in to upload a file.




There are no updates yet.
Click the Upload button above to add an update.

You must be logged in to translate posts. Please log in or register.