User Experience
Error State
Plain English
When something goes wrong.
Definition
An error state is a UI condition that occurs when something goes wrong, preventing a task from being completed.
In practice
Used to inform users of issues, explain what happened, and guide them on how to fix it.
In context
It is the highest-value copy in most products and usually written last, by whoever was available. The user is already frustrated when they read it.
The reality
Error states are often vague, unhelpful, or blame the user instead of clearly resolving the issue.
Compared with
Error State vs Empty State
An error state means something went wrong. An glossaryEmpty StateAn empty state is a UI condition where no data or content is available to display.Open glossary term means nothing is there yet, which is often normal and sometimes an opportunity. Treating an empty state like an error makes new users feel they have failed.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is an error state?
It is when a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term shows that something has gone wrong.
Why are error states important?
They help users understand and recover from issues.
What makes a good error state?
Clear explanation and guidance on how to fix the problem.
What is a bad error message?
One that is vague, technical, or unhelpful.
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