Error Message Review
A practical checklist for reviewing validation messages, warning text, and form guidance. Founder and private tester use only.
This is not a professional accessibility audit
- ▸This is not a WCAG compliance audit
- ▸This is not a legal compliance approval
- ▸This is not professional medical, legal, or privacy compliance advice
- ▸This is a practical private-preview error message self-review only
What to Review
Error messages are written in plain language
- Error messages say what happened in plain words — not just 'error' or 'invalid'
- Validation messages explain what the user should enter or change
- Messages do not use technical jargon that everyday users would not understand
- Where relevant, a message suggests a next step (e.g., 'try a smaller number')
Warnings are not color-only
- Red danger panels include text that explains the risk — not just red styling
- Amber/caution panels explain what to watch out for — not just amber styling
- Green/success messages include text confirmation — not just a color change
- No warning depends entirely on color for meaning
Validation messages are helpful and non-shaming
- Validation messages say what is missing or incorrect without blaming the user
- Messages do not use words like 'wrong', 'stupid', or 'invalid entry' alone
- Safety First and Help Finder result messages are constructive and calm
- Calculator result messages explain any out-of-range values clearly
Emergency warnings say when to stop
- Emergency panels include plain text like 'Stop. Call 911.' or 'Do not proceed.'
- Stop-and-call-a-pro guidance is in clear text — not icon-only
- Repair simulators clearly say when an issue is outside DIY scope
- Home Systems and Repair Lab pages say when NOT to continue without a professional
Privacy warnings say what not to enter
- Forms that could receive sensitive data include a plain-text privacy notice
- Privacy warnings explain specifically what NOT to enter (passwords, SSNs, medical details)
- Home Records, Senior Support, and Senior Accessibility planners include privacy warnings
- No form field collects information Ask Uncle G should not hold
Copy and print output preserves disclaimers
- When a checklist is copied or printed, safety disclaimers are included in the output
- The 'Ask Uncle G — askuncleg.com' footer is included in copied checklist text
- Printed output does not remove the CallaProBox or SafetyNotice content
- Print styles preserve legal-adjacent disclaimer language from guides
Mobile error messages remain readable
- Validation and result messages fit on narrow mobile screens without overflow
- Error text is large enough to read without zooming on mobile
- Message boxes do not push page content off-screen on small devices
- Error messages stack cleanly below form fields on mobile
Priority Routes to Test
Open each page and check validation messages, warning text clarity, and privacy notice presence.
Help Finder
/help-finder
Safety First
/safety-first
Garden Layout Planner
/garden-planner/layout
Window Measurement Helper
/window-planner/window-measurement-helper
Leak Triage Helper
/home-systems/leak-triage-helper
Faucet Replacement Planning
/home-systems/faucet-replacement-planning
Outlet Power Safety Simulator
/repair-simulator-lab/outlet-power-safety-simulator
Project Readiness Builder
/tool-parts-planner/project-readiness
Utility Bill Basics
/energy-utility-planner/utility-bill-basics
Utility Setup Transfer
/move-in-setup-planner/utility-setup-transfer
Repair Readiness Action Plan
/project-planner/repair-readiness-action-plan
Accessibility Display Settings
/accessibility-display-settings
"Stop and Fix" Signs
If any of these occur during testing, note the page and message for follow-up.
A message says only 'error' without explaining what the user should do
The user must rely on red or green color alone to understand the result
An emergency warning is too soft — does not clearly say to stop or call for help
A validation message sounds shaming or blaming
A message or form asks the user for private data (passwords, SSNs, medical details)
A copy or print output removes the safety disclaimer or professional guidance
What this page does not claim
- ✗No accessibility certification is granted
- ✗No legal compliance approval is given
- ✗No professional accessibility or privacy audit is performed
- ✗No medical, legal, or financial compliance advice is given
Error Message Review Checklist
0/16Next Readiness Steps