The Art of the Error Message

How to write clear, helpful copy for when things go wrong

Marina Posniak
Nov 9, 2017 · 5 min read
Error messages should point toward a solution, not act as a Band-Aid. Image: denkcreative/Getty

By Marina Posniak & Tamara Hilmes

The concept of embracing failure is big in the tech industry. “Fail fast, fail often” is almost an industry mantra. But there’s an everyday type of failure that doesn’t get much attention in the product development process: the humble error message.

To keep reading this story, create a free account.

Already have an account? Sign in

Thanks to Amanda Lasnik

Marina Posniak

Written by

UX writing at Spotify.

User Friendly
User Friendly
User Friendly

About this Anthology

User Friendly

Perspectives on all things UX, selected by Medium’s editors.

Perspectives on all things UX, selected by Medium’s editors.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade