Error Page
Definition
An Error Page serves as a notification to users when something goes wrong on a website or application. Commonly, these pages appear in response to errors like 404 Not Found or 500 Internal Server Error, guiding users away from dead ends and towards useful navigation. The design and messaging of error pages are crucial for maintaining user engagement and minimizing frustration.
In terms of user experience (UX), effective error pages should provide clear information about the error, possible reasons, and suggested next steps. This can include links to the homepage, search functionality, or related content. By doing this, error pages not only inform users but also help keep them on the site, reducing bounce rates.
Moreover, an error page can reflect the brand's personality and tone. Creative designs and humor can transform a frustrating experience into a lighter one, fostering a positive connection with users. Therefore, the strategy behind error pages is not just about functionality but also about enhancing the overall user experience.
Expanded Definition
Error pages have evolved significantly since the early days of the internet. Initially, many sites displayed generic messages that offered little guidance. However, as UX principles gained traction, the focus shifted to creating informative and user-friendly error pages. Today, a well-designed error page is integral to a website's UX strategy, ensuring users do not feel abandoned when they encounter an error.
Additionally, error pages can be valuable for analytics. By tracking how often users land on these pages, companies can identify broken links, server issues, or other problems needing resolution. This data can inform website improvements, ultimately enhancing the user experience and operational efficiency.
Key Activities
Designing error page layouts that align with the brand's voice.
Implementing clear error messaging to guide users effectively.
Testing error pages for usability and accessibility.
Analyzing traffic to error pages to identify potential issues.
Incorporating navigation options to enhance user experience.
Benefits
Improves user retention by providing clear navigation options.
Enhances brand perception through thoughtful design and messaging.
Reduces user frustration by offering solutions and alternatives.
Provides insights into website performance and user behavior.
Allows for creativity in branding and user engagement.
Example
A popular e-commerce website experienced a spike in 404 errors due to a recent redesign that changed product URLs. To address this, they created a custom error page featuring a friendly message, a search bar, and links to popular product categories. This design not only informed users of the error but also helped them quickly find what they were looking for, thus minimizing potential loss of sales.
Use Cases
Website encounters a broken link or removed page.
User tries to access a resource that is temporarily unavailable.
Server issues lead to internal errors that require user notification.
Designing a user-friendly interface for mobile applications encountering errors.
Providing feedback during website maintenance or updates.
Challenges & Limitations
Ensuring error pages are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Balancing informative content without overwhelming the user.
Maintaining brand consistency while addressing errors effectively.
Tracking and analyzing error page traffic can be complex.
Tools & Methods
Google Analytics for tracking error page visits.
Content Management Systems (CMS) for designing custom error pages.
A/B testing tools to evaluate different error page designs.
Accessibility testing tools to ensure compliance.
Prototyping tools for testing error page layouts before implementation.
How to Cite "Error Page" - APA, MLA, and Chicago Citation Formats
UX Glossary. (2025, February 11, 2026). Error Page. UX Glossary. https://www.uxglossary.com/glossary/error-page
Note: Access date is automatically set to today. Update if needed when using the citation.