pattern-library 2 linked patterns checked
VA.gov Error and Alert Messages
Documents clear and direct error and alert messages with calls to action that tell people what to do next to resolve the issue.
Read with a purpose
What this source can teach
Use this source to compare a documented solution with the task and states in your own product.
- Start with the original. Open the source and find the guidance or example relevant to your task.
- Trace the connection. Use the claim notes below to see how this site applies the source to specific patterns.
- Check the setting. Compare the source's platform, people, and constraints with your own decision.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Error state | Choose error state when expected content or task progress is blocked by system, network, permission, validation, save, sync, or computation failure. | The error remains visible until resolved, intentionally dismissed, replaced by recovered content, or escalated. | VA documents clear, direct error messages with calls to action that tell people what to do next. |
| Toast-only critical error | Flag this anti-pattern when a failure blocks progress, affects money or data, changes account or security state, or requires a repair action after the message appears. | The critical error remains visible until it is resolved, intentionally dismissed from a safe persistent surface, replaced by a recovered state, or escalated. | VA documents error and alert messages as clear, direct content with a call to action that tells people what to do next. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Empty state vs no-results recovery vs error state
VA documents clear, direct error messages with calls to action that tell users how to resolve the issue.
- Toast-only critical error vs error state
VA documents error and alert messages as clear, direct messages with calls to action that help people resolve the issue.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as pattern-library evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: VA.gov Design System. Last checked: .