User Interfaces
Help and Error Messages
Help and error messages are parts of a user interface that guide you when a task is unclear or something goes wrong. A good error message does two jobs: it explains what has gone wrong and tells you what to do next. It should be specific and written in plain language, not vague or packed with technical jargon.
Clear, specific error messages
An error message that only says something failed leaves you stuck. Compare these messages:
| Weak message | Better message | Why it is better |
|---|---|---|
| Upload failed. | Your photo is 12 MB. The gallery accepts files up to 8 MB, so choose a smaller photo or compress this one. | It states the problem and gives two ways to fix it. |
| Cannot save. | The file name contains a slash. Remove the / and try saving again. | It points to the exact cause and the next step. |
Messages like these let you recover from a problem on your own, without needing to ask for support.
Help facilities
Help facilities are features that let you find out how to use parts of the interface. They include tooltips, a searchable help menu and on-screen hints and tips. For example, resting the pointer on a padlock icon in a shared photo album could show a tooltip explaining that only invited friends can view the album. A help menu might let you search for instructions on cropping a picture or changing a password. Help facilities are built into the interface, so you can get answers while you are working instead of hunting for a manual.
Why clear help matters
Clear error messages and useful help reduce frustration, help users recover from problems and mean fewer requests for support. They help everyone, not just beginners: experienced users also meet unfamiliar tasks or forget where a setting is. Clear help keeps you working independently.
Practise this
OCR GCSE Computer Science · User Interfaces