2 min readAn original planning guide. Use the linked primary documentation for platform details and the supported procedure for your environment.
List realistic failures
Include missing pages, invalid form input, empty search results, failed submissions, and unavailable integrations that affect important tasks.
Explain the visible result
Use plain language about what happened without exposing internal implementation or blaming the visitor. Distinguish a recoverable input issue from a service failure.
Offer a relevant next step
Provide retry where safe, corrected navigation, retained input where appropriate, or a support route. Avoid resubmitting uncertain purchases blindly.
Verify technical behavior
Check response status for missing pages, accessible announcements, focus behavior, and logging for the responsible owner.
Worked scenario
See the plan in practice.
A missing article offers a topic link and search route while returning a 404 status. A cheerful message alone would not complete the behavior.
Review your result
Your acceptance checklist
Failures listed- Actions relevant
- Status correct
Use these checks to identify gaps in your error-state content plan. Assign an owner to any unresolved item before the next dependent step.
The terms behind the task
- 404 errorAn HTTP status indicating that the server cannot find a current representation of the requested resource.
- AccessibilityThe practice of making products usable by people with a broad range of abilities and assistive technologies.
- MonitoringThe ongoing collection and evaluation of signals used to understand a system's condition and detect problems.
Primary references
For the underlying concepts and current platform details:
