error-message-optimizer

name	Error Message Optimizer
version	1.0.0
description	Optimizes error messages for clarity, actionability, and user experience. Transforms technical errors into user-friendly messages.
author	workspace
activated	false

Error Message Optimizer

Optimizes error messages for clarity, actionability, and user experience. Transforms technical errors into user-friendly messages.

Decision Framework

When to Apply

Use when: Form validation, API error handling, user-facing error states, onboarding flows

When NOT to Apply

Don't use when: Internal logging only, developer-only tools

Anti-Patterns

1. Technical Errors to Users

// BAD
"Error: ECONNREFUSED 127.0.0.1:5432"

// GOOD
"We couldn't connect to our servers. Please try again in a few moments."

2. Blame Language

// BAD: Blames user
"You entered an invalid email address"

// GOOD: Neutral
"Please enter a valid email address (e.g., [e-mail])"

3. No Recovery Path

// BAD: Dead end
"Error occurred"

// GOOD: Actionable
"Your session expired. <a href='/login'>Sign in again</a> to continue."

Trigger Phrases

• "Improve error messages"
• "User-friendly errors"
• "Form validation messages"
• "Error UX"

Patterns

Error Message Map

const errorMessages = {
  'auth/invalid-email': {
    user: 'Please enter a valid email address.',
    action: 'highlight-field',
    recovery: 'Check for typos in your email.'
  },
  'auth/user-not-found': {
    user: 'No account found with this email.',
    action: 'show-signup-link',
    recovery: 'Would you like to create an account?'
  },
  'network/timeout': {
    user: 'The request took too long. Please try again.',
    action: 'show-retry-button',
    recovery: 'Check your internet connection.'
  }
};

Integration

• Works with: form-pattern-engine, accessibility-pattern-library, notification-system-builder