As a designer, you know the power of visual storytelling and user experience. But have you ever considered the creative potential hidden in those pesky HTTP error pages like 400, 403, 404, 500, and 503? These error codes aren't just technical hurdles; they are opportunities for you to work their magic and turn user's frustration into fascination. In this article, let's explore the art of designing custom error pages that captivate and engage users.
Before we embark on the creative journey of custom error pages, let's get to know some of the HTTP error codes and understand what they mean in everyday terms.
Error 400 - Bad Request
Think of Error 400 as a lost-in-translation moment. It occurs when the server can't understand what the user is asking for, much like receiving a jumbled message.
Error 401 - Unauthorized
Error 401 is your digital bouncer. It means users need proper identification (like a username and password) to access a particular area, just as you would need an ID to enter a secure building.
Error 402 - Payment Required
Error 402 is a rare find in the digital landscape. It suggests that users must make a payment to access something, much like buying a ticket for an exclusive event.
Error 403 - Forbidden
Error 403 is like a "No Entry" sign on a door. It means users lack permission to access a particular resource, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and access control.
Error 404 - Not Found
Error 404 is your digital dead-end road sign. It tells users that the webpage or resource they're looking for doesn't exist, much like trying to find a street that isn't on the map.
Error 500 - Internal Server Error
Imagine your computer crashing while working on a design project. Error 500 suggests something went wrong on the server's end.
Error 502 - Bad Gateway
Error 502 is like encountering a closed road on your way to work. It happens when one server, acting as a middleman, can't get a valid response from another server, creating a digital roadblock.
Error 503 - Service Unavailable
Error 503 is similar to a "Temporarily Closed" sign outside a store. It indicates that the service users want is temporarily unavailable.
Let's be honest, encountering errors online can be a real hassle. They're like unexpected roadblocks on your digital journey, and they can seriously mess up your online experience.
Errors cause stress and confusion. It's like facing an emergency situation where you need quick and specific help to get back on track. Users get the most frustrated when they can't do what they came to do online.
So, why settle for a boring "404 Not Found" page when you can turn a frustrating experience into a fun one?
Custom error pages not only make the user experience better, but they also show off your brand's personality and creativity. Think of them as your online helpers, making the tough moments easier and leaving a cool impression on your users.
First, the Error Page needs to quickly help users feel better and guide them on what to do.
The Error Page should start by helping users understand what's happening. It needs to explain the problem, who or what caused it, how to solve it, and when it'll be fixed. Think of it as a friendly guide during a confusing situation.
Keep things simple. The information on the Error Page should be like plain language, so everyone can get it. No need for fancy tech words or complicated stuff.
Short and sweet is the way to go. Long explanations can make things even more confusing, so stick to the essentials.
Errors can be super annoying, right? So, be kind in your message. Let users know you understand their frustration, and don't make them feel like it's their fault.
Your Error Page should be like a reassuring friend. It should tell users that everything's okay now, and they can fix it with just a couple of clicks. Nobody wants to feel like they need a tech genius to rescue them.
Try to add things that make users smile, like friendly pictures or messages. This is a chance to make a good impression and create a positive vibe around your brand. For instance, rather than using the strong word "error," opting for the gentler term "mistake" can help ease tension.
So, in a nutshell, the Error Page's job is to quickly and clearly explain what's wrong, why it happened, and how to make it right, all in a simple and friendly way. And while you're at it, why not spread some positivity? It's a great opportunity to make users feel good about your brand.
Now that we've covered why custom error pages are essential, let's explore some creative design ideas and examples to inspire your own custom error page creations!
Have you ever seen Pixar's error page? It's absolutely adorable! They feature one of their beloved characters from the movie "Inside Out" - Sadness, and pair it with the perfect message: "Aww... Don't Cry. It's just a 404 Error! What you're looking for may have been misplaced in Long-Term Memory."
The copy is not only well-suited to the context but also stays true to the brand, with a reference to the movie. When users encounter this error page, it's hard not to crack a smile instead of feeling frustrated or shedding tears.
When you find yourself on Airbnb's error page, they don't waste any time. They immediately offer clear copy and links to relevant pages. This is a smart move because effective navigation on custom error pages is crucial.
The goal is to guide users back to where they want to be, which is often the homepage. Why the homepage? Because it provides them with access to the entire website and all its features, making it the most optimal solution.
Lego's error page is not only fun but also a great example of maintaining brand consistency. It features Lego characters and positive messaging. What stands out is the "Start Shopping" button, providing users with a clear action to take, turning an error into an opportunity for engagement and shopping.
When you stumble upon an incorrect Bitly link, you'll land on Bitly's 404 page. They understand this could happen quite often, so their 404 page cuts to the chase. It swiftly explains what might have gone wrong and encourages users to visit the Bitly homepage if that's their destination.
To add a touch of relaxation, they even include a yoga pose illustration, as if to reassure visitors that there's no need to stress.
If you're familiar with Marie Kondo's famous cleaning and organization techniques, you'll find her website's error page to be a familiar territory. It's a subtle but effective way of staying true to her brand, with clean and minimalist visuals complementing the message.
The official tourism website of Switzerland, MySwitzerland, offers a notable example of an error page done right. They employ catchy copy that cleverly ties into the idea of vacationing in Switzerland.
What sets it apart is the addition of a search bar. This practical feature allows visitors to immediately search for what they're seeking, ensuring they can quickly find their way even when they've encountered a hiccup on the website.
Hershey Land, the digital hub of the famous chocolate brand, doesn't just satisfy your chocolate cravings but also your sense of humor. Their error page playfully suggests, "HMM, THIS PAGE GOT EATEN. Someone must have eaten this page when they finished the chocolate. We’re working on finding out who. Continue to search for sweet things below or use the navigation above to find what you need."
And to make your search for sweetness easier, they've conveniently placed a search bar below!
Ueno, a renowned design agency known for its playful brand identity, extends this creativity to its error page. Here, you'll find an amusing animation of a sprinting hot dog alongside witty and engaging copy. It might sound silly, but it's a delightful and far from boring touch that embodies Ueno's creative spirit.
GitHub adds a dash of Star Wars magic to its 404 error page. They cleverly use the iconic phrase "These aren't the droids you're looking for" to playfully tell you that you're heading in the wrong direction. It's a fun touch, right?
Medium takes a creative approach on its error page by not only providing relevant messages but also recommending content related to getting lost and losing things. It's a great example of turning an error page into an engagement opportunity!
Errors are like unexpected party crashers – not very welcome. But you can't always keep them away, so having a ready error page is a smart move for your website.
Think of it as a gentle speed bump, not a roadblock, in your user's journey. With the right design, you can turn a frustrating moment into a fun one and maybe even keep your visitors engaged.
Looking to make your website more user-friendly? Let's get in touch with us!
