Scenario: The user entered the wrong email address to sign in to their account.
Challenge: Tell the user to enter the right email.
40 characters max
Before we get started, there is one thing to keep in mind: often, apps and websites don’t alert users when they specifically enter the wrong email address. They would say, “Incorrect email OR password.” They are intentionally unspecific so that potential impostors won’t be able to distinguish between correct and incorrect inputs.
But, for the purpose of the challenge, let’s write an error message for the user whenever they enter a wrong email.
The Problem:
The user entered the wrong email address.
The Solution:
to describe the problem and what went wrong as precisely as I can.
to provide constructive suggestions on how to solve the problem and carry on forward.
My choice of voice and tone was:
The voice and tone of error messages include:
human and service-oriented
Helpful and readable
My Goal:
Error messages need to fulfill three goals:
1. Explain simply and clearly that there is a problem and what that problem is.
2. Provide a solution so that users can return and complete the process immediately.
3. Turn the delay into an experience that is as pleasant as possible.
UX Copy 1
“We are unable to recognize this email address.” “Want to try again?”
OR
“We are unable to recognize this email address.” “Like to try again?”
These error messages acknowledge that there was an issue with the email inputs, but I noticed it didn’t offer any potential solutions to the user, and I also asked myself, “What are they trying again?” (Rewriting the same email address again?) I also noticed it was longer than the character limit for this challenge.
UX Copy 2
“Please type in a valid login email”.
This error message is short and to the point, informing the user that there is an issue with the email they entered and encouraging them to type in the correct email. The use of the word “valid” provides a clear explanation that the email they had just entered had a problem. This error message is concise and easy to understand.
UX Copy 3
“We couldn’t find your email.” “You might want to check your email again.”
This error message acknowledges that there was a problem with the email address the user entered and also provides a potential solution by suggesting that they check what they’ve input and try entering their email again.
UX Copy 4
“Your email address is incorrect.” “Please check it”.
This error message was the final copy I chose because it is straightforward and takes a more lighthearted and approachable tone to help ease any frustration or anxiety the user may be feeling. It acknowledges that mistakes can happen while also encouraging the user to double-check and ensure they’re using the correct email address.
The Problem I Faced While Writing the Microcopy
A 40 character limit is too low and I struggled with it while writing the copy. Since I came up with a lot of suggestions, choosing one prompt to go with was another hassle, so I kept reading them aloud so I could make a choice.
With this challenge, I learned how important each character is and how important it is for UX writers to use as few words as possible to convey our solution.
I’d love to hear which copy you would have gone with. Please let me know how I can improve this copy in the comments. Thank you.
Read the full article here
