IT & Software

Error Messages

Write Helpful, User-Centered Error Messages with this ChatGPT Prompt for Better UX and Troubleshooting

What This Prompt Does

Generates a comprehensive set of clear, contextual error messages for a specific product feature.
Covers various error types including validation errors, system failures, permission issues, and connectivity problems.
Each message includes three parts: what went wrong, why it happened, and how the user can fix it—tailored to their technical knowledge level and current state.
Improves trust, usability, and user satisfaction by replacing generic system responses with friendly, helpful language.

Tips

Be specific about the feature and the potential error scenarios—this helps ChatGPT generate messages that are realistic and relevant.
Consider different user states like logged in/out, first-time users, or power users to match tone and guidance level.
Include both beginner and advanced users by providing simplified fixes but linking to deeper documentation if needed.
Use polite, non-blaming language. Avoid phrases like “you did something wrong” and instead focus on what can be done next.
Apply consistent structure and voice across all messages to match your brand tone—whether it’s professional, conversational, reassuring, or playful.
Use this output as part of your product’s UX writing guide, error handling documentation, or development QA workflows.

Prompt

Write a complete set of error messages for [product feature] addressing [list potential error scenarios]. Include messages for: validation errors, system errors, user permission issues, and connectivity problems. Each message should explain: what went wrong, why it happened, and how to fix it. Consider different user states like [list states] and technical knowledge levels.

How To Use The Prompt

Fill in the placeholders [PRODUCT FEATURE], [POTENTIAL ERROR SCENARIOS], [USER STATES], and [TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE LEVELS] with specific and realistic details from your product.

Example:
"Write a complete set of error messages for the checkout flow of our online course platform addressing invalid promo codes, payment failures, expired sessions, and user permissions for discount eligibility. Include messages for: validation errors, system errors, user permission issues, and connectivity problems. Each message should explain: what went wrong, why it happened, and how to fix it. Consider user states like guest, logged-in returning user, and new user, and varying technical knowledge levels from beginner to advanced."

Example Input

#INFORMATION ABOUT MY PRODUCT:

Product feature: File upload tool in a web-based design platform
Potential error scenarios:

Upload exceeds file size limit
Unsupported file type
Internet disconnects mid-upload
User lacks permission to upload
Upload fails due to server timeout

User states: Logged-in user, guest (unregistered), premium subscriber
Technical knowledge levels: Beginner creative user, advanced technical designer

Example Output

Validation Error: File Too Large
- Message:
  “Your file is too large to upload (max: 100MB). Try compressing it or uploading a smaller version.”
- Explanation:
  Keeps the message short but suggests a clear fix.
Validation Error: Unsupported File Type

Message:
“Oops! We can’t upload that file type. Accepted formats: .png, .jpg, .svg, and .pdf.”
Why It Works:
Lists allowed formats clearly for quick user action.

System Error: Server Timeout
- Message:
  “Something went wrong while uploading. Our servers timed out. Please try again in a few minutes.”
- Advanced Tooltip (optional for power users):
  “Tip: Larger files or slow connections may trigger timeouts. Refresh your connection and retry.”
Connectivity Error: Lost Internet
- Message:
  “You lost connection during the upload. Please check your internet and try again.”
- Enhancement:
  Add a “Retry Upload” button with state-saving feature.
User Permission Issue: Guest Upload Blocked
- Message:
  “Uploading is available to registered users only. Please sign up to start uploading your designs.”
- Alternative CTA:
  “Sign Up Free” or “Log In” button included in message
Permission Issue: Account Type Restriction
- Message (for free users):
  “This feature is available for Pro accounts. Upgrade to upload files over 25MB.”
- Call to Action:
  “View Plans” button to direct user toward a fix.

Additional Information

This mega-prompt is an essential tool for UX writers, product designers, engineers, and QA teams looking to improve user communication in error-prone flows. It helps turn technical failures into moments of clarity and trust, reducing frustration and bounce rates.

Use the output to populate error states in design systems and prototyping tools.
Add localization-friendly structures for use in internationalized applications.
Can be adapted into modals, inline alerts, or tooltip messages depending on UI pattern.

Ready to Dominate Your Business in 2025?

Get immediate access to...

30,000+ AI prompts

Marketing, business, copywriting, visuals & more.

How-to Guides & resources

Biggest collection of AI resources for your business success.

Unlimited updates

Your resources & knowledge grows, free of charge, forever.

Lifetime access

Highest priority support. Instant delivery.