The Problem

User Problem

When users are browsing the internet, it can be incredibly frustrating when a link to a web page doesn't work. It can be even more frustrating when the error message displayed is written in confusing technical jargon users can't understand. 

Business Problem

For businesses, 404 pages hurt the bottom line as most users don't hit the back button but leave the site. Search engines such as Google use a variety of factors to rank a page, including a site's bounce rate. When users bounce off your website in high numbers, it raises red flags resulting in search engines deeming your page or the entire site irrelevant. If Google sees users leaving a page within seconds, their algorithms will assume users couldn't find what they were looking for. As a result, Google will remove the page from relevant search results. We explored different ways of explaining these error messages more simply and ways to reduce the bounce rate concerning 404 pages.

The causes of 404 page error codes?

• Renaming or moving a webpage and failing to change the internal link

• The page has been permanently deleted or moved

• The page address has changed, but the link address was not changed

• Improper placement of the URL

• Lack of proper navigation.

Early Iterations

After defining the problem I was trying to solve, I started wireframing potential solutions and below are two examples of my early iterations. These designs would have informed users there was an issue with the page in a more humorous way however, one CTA wouldn't have been enough to reduce the bounce rate.

The Solution 

To build on the early iterations by using illustrations in a light-hearted, humorous way whilst keeping the page free from technical jargon to convey the message. To reduce the bounce rate from 404 pages, users have a series of options, such as a Search Bar, a Home button and a small selection of newly released items with a link to view more. Whilst users couldn't find what they were looking for, the proposed solution below will keep them on the website and reduce the bounce rate from a 404 page.

Credits:

404 URL page Credit: https://magento.stackexchange.com/questions/331431/magento-2-homepage-and-admin-page-shows-404

Illustration Credit: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/packaging">Packaging vector created by pikisuperstar - www.freepik.com</a>

Illustration Credit: https://www.freepik.com/vectors/candidate'>Candidate vector created by pch.vector - www.freepik.com</a>

Illustration Credit: https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/astronaut">Astronaut Vectors by Vecteezy</a>