Taking the Blame Off the User
Rewriting an error message to keep users happy instead of frustrated
Conducted a UX writing review for Revelo, a hiring solutions company, identifying and correcting problematic error messaging patterns that were frustrating users.
The Challenge
The original error message read 'Your search didn't match any candidates :('. By using 'your,' the message assigned blame to the user for an unsuccessful search, frustrating someone already dealing with a failed action.
My Approach
I revised the message to 'We couldn't find any matching candidates,' shifting accountability to the business while maintaining clarity. I added constructive guidance: 'Consider replacing or removing specific skills to broaden your candidate pool.'
The Impact
The revised copy removed blame from the user experience and provided actionable next steps, reducing frustration at a critical failure point in the product.