User separated from errors
Prevent the Possibility of Errors
UX Guidelines

Prevent the Possibility of Errors

Only offer acceptable choices and enable functions only when relevant.

by Nick Kolenda
Last Updated November 14, 2024

Error messages should be a last resort.

Strive to make them unnecessary.

How to Apply

  • Disable Buttons When Users Click Them. Prevent duplicate clicks.
Buy Now button being disabled after click
  • Only Offer Inputs That Are Acceptable. Limit calendar dates to available slots.
Options on a calendar but only available dates are able to be clicked
  • Enable Functions Only When Necessary. Not relevant? Not enabled.
You need to click a checkbox to enable a drop-down for that option
  • Structure Text Fields to Match the Input. Don't make users guess whether a dash is needed (and remove a dash if they enter it).
Serial number broken into different sizes text input fields
  • Add Constraints to Irreversible Changes. Force them to type "DELETE" to delete something important.
Type "delete" to delete your account

Want more tactics?

Get all my free user experience tactics