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Fun with Error Messages Danielle Cooley                                  @dgcooley STL UX 2011
An error message should… ,[object Object]
Precisely indicate the problem
Constructively suggest a solutionNielsen & Molich, 1990 ,[object Object],Wait. WHAT?!
Why so surprised?
Plain language
Plain language can not find one of the library files needed to run this application
Precisely indicate the problem
Be specific
Constructively suggest a solution
The opposite of good
404 as an opportunity
404 in action They take the blame. They make some suggestions.
404 in action E*Trade includes a search.
404 in action
Irony
Irony
Randomness Error was addressed by convincing the computer that English is not a letter.
In popular culture Did you know? Vista’s error screens were originally RED!
Mobile wants to play, too!

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Fun With Error Messages