User errors occur in various systems, including computers, and can result from a poorly designed system or innocent mistakes. Well-designed systems reduce errors through features like auto-correct and warnings. Some systems are stricter and may not offer failsafes or warnings. Technicians should educate users instead of making disparaging comments.
A user error is an error that results from a user error. This type of error can occur with a wide variety of systems, although people often use the term specifically to refer to computer systems, including operating systems and software programs. User errors are a perennial problem and there are several ways to fix them.
In some communities, there is a degree of snobbery about user errors. The implication is that user errors are the result of stupidity or ineptitude, as opposed to a poorly designed system, confusing interface, or a simple innocent mistake like typing “3” instead of “2”. Opponents of this view argue that user errors are often the fault of the system, not the user; if a system isn’t intuitive or easy to use, for example, it’s hardly the user’s fault when they struggle with it.
In a well-designed system, steps will be taken to reduce user error. For example, many websites have a search function that automatically corrects spelling errors or offers spelling suggestions if you suspect a user may have made a mistake. Likewise, many interfaces will be fairly tolerant of the types of commands people use to operate the system or offer warnings if they suspect a user may be taking an imprudent action. Systems can also be streamlined and simplified so that they are easier to understand and use, with the aim of making them easier to use for a variety of skill levels.
Other systems may be stricter and more demanding, expecting users to adhere to a very precise syntax. In these systems, failsafes such as prompts and warning dialogs may not appear, with the system architect assuming that users are not making mistakes. Likewise, such systems may not allow users to back up if they make mistakes or may not offer other ways to handle mistakes. The system may also not warn the user when a user error is made, which can be frustrating when things go wrong and the user has no idea why.
Technicians called upon to repair various systems can sometimes make disparaging comments about user error if they suspect a problem was caused by an unqualified user, or if they cannot replicate the problem because it was the result of user error. A better approach to such problems might be to offer to educate users so they don’t experience errors in the future, or ask users to demonstrate what they were doing when the user error occurred so the technician can figure out what’s wrong. success.
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