Usability Heuristic(guidelines) 9: Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors

This heuristic focuses on ensuring that users can easily identify, understand, and fix problems when things go wrong.

Instead of cryptic error messages like “Error 404” or “Something went wrong,” your system should clearly explain what happened and offer a path to fix it.

Key Points:

1. Recognize Errors: Make it obvious that something went wrong. Use visual cues like red icons or bold text to grab attention. ??
2. Diagnose the Problem: Provide clear, human-friendly messages explaining what caused the issue, like “Your password must be at least 8 characters.”
3. Recover Easily: Offer solutions or next steps, such as “Click here to reset your password” or an “Undo” button.

Example

Imagine trying to submit an online order but forgetting to fill in your address. Instead of saying, “Error: Field missing,” a helpful error message could say,

“Oops! Looks like we don’t know where to send your package. Please enter your address so we can get your goodies to you!”

Here, the message points out the problem, explains why it matters, and gives you a clear way to fix it. It’s like having a supportive friend who gently says, “Hey, buddy, you missed a spot!” rather than just glaring silently.

The goal is to help users feel supported, not confused or stuck! This way, users can confidently navigate and correct mistakes without frustration