Daily UX Writing Challenge: Day 9
Error Message for Expired Credit Card
Hello there!
Welcome to Day 9 of my 15-day UX Writing Challenge. Today’s task is to create another error message. This time, it’s to notify a user that their credit card has expired.
UX Writing Challenge: Day 9
Scenario: The user is trying to rent a car using an application but the credit card on file has expired.
Challenge: Write them an error message so that they can correct the problem.
Headline: 30 characters
Body: 45 characters
My Thought Process
Upon reading the brief, the major challenge I had was determining how to display the error message. The brief didn’t mention buttons so I wasn’t sure how to help the user move forward without a clear next step.
But despite my uncertainty about how to present the message, it was quite clear that this message falls under the detour error category. A detour error message is used when a user can’t get to where they want to go, but can still get there. Such a message gives the user information about the error that occurred, explains it, and tells them what to do next.
So we know it’s a detour error message, but how do we display it?
After trying various methods for presenting the message, I finally opted for a banner displayed at the top of the screen.
My Solution
Headline
“Add a New Payment Method”
The user’s primary objective at the point where they’ll see this error message is to pay for and rent a car. By focusing on the solution, “Add a new payment method,” the message helps to steer them toward the successful completion of their goal.
Body
“Your card has expired. Please add a new way to pay.”
The body text defines the problem by informing them that their card has expired and advising them to add a new way to pay.
Note: Instead of just asking the user to add a new card, I asked for a new way to pay. This expands their payment choices, giving them the flexibility to choose from alternative options if they don’t have a new credit/debit card.
That’s all for Day 9! Thanks for reading. If you have any feedback or comments, feel free to drop them.
