User Experience
Error Rate
Plain English
How often users get things wrong.
Definition
Error rate measures how often users make mistakes while attempting a task. It is most useful when it separates minor slips users recover from and errors that block progress entirely, because the two need different fixes.
In practice
Used to identify glossaryFrictionFriction refers to anything that slows users down or makes it harder for them to complete a task. It can be caused by poor design, unnecessary steps, unclear messaging, or technical issues.Open glossary term points and glossaryUsabilityUsability is how easy and efficient it is for users to complete tasks within a product. It focuses on clarity, simplicity, and reducing effort so users can achieve their goals without confusion or friction.Open glossary term issues.
In context
The errors worth counting are the ones the glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term invited. A user entering a date in the wrong format is usually a field that failed to say which format it wanted.
The reality
Not all errors are equal, some are minor while others block progress completely.
Compared with
Error Rate vs Error State
Error rate is a measure of how often mistakes occur. An glossaryError StateAn error state is a UI condition that occurs when something goes wrong, preventing a task from being completed.Open glossary term is the glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term condition shown when one does. Reducing the rate is a design problem; handling the state well is a separate one, and both are needed.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is error rate?
It is how frequently users make mistakes.
Why is error rate important?
It highlights where users struggle.
What is a common mistake when analysing error rate?
Treating all errors as equally important.
How do you reduce error rate?
Simplify tasks and provide clear guidance.
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