Usererror

Usererror is a term used in human-computer interaction to describe mistakes made by users while interacting with a computer system, network, or digital service. It covers actions that produce undesired outcomes due to user input, misinterpretation of prompts, or misunderstanding of the system's state. The term is commonly used in incident reports and support logs to distinguish user-originated faults from defects in software or hardware. In contemporary practice, there is debate about the phrase, as it can imply blame on users and obscure design flaws that constrain correct use.

Classification and causes: In cognitive psychology, usererror is often categorized as slips (execution mistakes) and mistakes (planning errors), with additional mode errors when a user acts in a different system state. Causes include ambiguous controls, inconsistent conventions, insufficient feedback, unclear error messages, complex or constrained workflows, and time pressure. Accessibility and context switching can also elevate the risk of usererror.

Mitigation: Design for error by creating forgiving interfaces that anticipate likely mistakes. Use input validation, sensible defaults, and constraints that prevent invalid actions. Provide clear, actionable error messages and, where possible, an undo mechanism. Reducing cognitive load, improving discoverability of features, and offering contextual help also lowers the rate of usererror.

Impact: Proper handling of usererror reduces support costs, improves user satisfaction, and fosters safer interaction with technology.

See also: human-computer interaction, usability, error handling, human error.