Guidelines for Error Message Design

Abstract

The presented study aims to develop a set of guidelines for error message design. A large amount of research is available in the literature on the topic of warning design. The same is not true for error messages. Although some research exists, the design of error messages is not covered to the same extent as warning design. To address this lack of research, a set of guidelines for error message design was developed from the literature regarding error message design, as well as from warning design theory. These guidelines were then evaluated through two usability studies (a heuristic evaluation and individual interviews with users) to determine whether they are valid and effective. The guidelines were refined based on the results of the usability studies. The final set of guidelines can be used to inform the design and development of error messages and facilitate early evaluation of interface prototypes.