How to get users to read error messages?

Question

If you program for a nontechnical audience, you find yourself at a high risk that users will not read your carefully worded and enlightening error messages, but just click o

Answer 1

To start, write error messages that users can actually understand. "Error: 1023" is not good example. I think better way is logging the error, than showing it to the user with some "fancy" code. Or if logging is not possible, give the users proper way to send the error details to the support department.

Also, be short and clear enough. Do not include some technical details. Do not show them information that they cannot use. If possible provide a workaround for the error. If not provide a default route, that should be taken.

If your application is a web app, designing custom error pages is a good idea. They stress users less, take SO for example. You can get some ideas how to design a good error page here: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/07/25/wanted-your-404-error-pages/