Error messages

Error messages are critical moments where content design systems prove their value. Without standards, products develop inconsistent error handling: one feature says "Something went wrong," while another shows "Error 403: Forbidden." This inconsistency confuses users and erodes trust. A systematic approach ensures every error message follows the same helpful pattern.^[1]

Build your error message framework around 3 components: what happened, why it matters, and what to do next. Create templates like "[Problem]. [Impact]. [Solution]." For example: "The code you entered doesn’t match. Didn’t get the code? [Resend code].”Document variations for different severity levels and contexts.

Define structure requirements: headline, body text, CTA, along with character limits, and the tone options. This prep means teams don’t spend too much time during development, and users get consistent, clear guidance.