Product & design · Operations & workflows
Error prevention.
Designing a process to reduce the chance of a mistake before it happens.
Useful when a warning after the fact comes too late.
“Add error prevention to the import: validate the file and preview the changes before committing them.”
A closer look
Constraining invalid choices, checking requirements early, and providing a preview can prevent costly mistakes. Match the safeguard to the consequence. Routine, reversible actions should not require repeated confirmation dialogs that people learn to ignore.
Put it to work
“Disable impossible date combinations and explain which dates are available.”
A useful distinction
Error recovery helps after a mistake. Error prevention reduces the likelihood of making it in the first place.