All Templates

Error Message UX Survey Template for Software & Apps

Test software error message clarity, perceived responsibility, and recovery paths. Use UX survey template to optimize copy, reduce support tickets, boost trust.

What's Included

AI-Powered Questions

Intelligent follow-up questions based on responses

Automated Analysis

Real-time sentiment and insight detection

Smart Distribution

Target the right audience automatically

Detailed Reports

Comprehensive insights and recommendations

Sample Survey Items

Q1
Multiple Choice
When did you most recently encounter a software error?
  • Within the last 7 days
  • 8–14 days ago
  • 15–30 days ago
  • More than 30 days ago
  • I haven’t encountered one recently
Q2
Opinion Scale
In the past 3 months, how often have unclear error messages slowed you down?
Range: 1 – 10
Min: NeverMid: SometimesMax: Very often
Q3
Multiple Choice
Which aids would help you most when an error occurs? Select up to three.
  • Clear, step-by-step fix
  • Retry button
  • Undo/restore option
  • Link to help article
  • Contact support option
  • Error code I can search
Q4
Long Text
What is one thing error messages should always include to be useful?
Max 600 chars
Q5
Multiple Choice
Which best describes the error you encountered most recently?
  • Crash or app closed unexpectedly
  • Freeze/hang or unresponsive screen
  • Validation or form submission error
  • Connection/network issue
  • Permission/access denied
  • Timeout
  • Other
Q6
Multiple Choice
Where were you in the product when it happened?
  • Sign-in or authentication
  • Settings or account management
  • Creating or editing content
  • Data entry or form submission
  • File operations (upload, download, save)
  • Network-dependent action (sync, fetch, API)
  • Installation or update
  • Other
Q7
Rating
How disruptive was the error to your task at that moment?
Scale: 10 (star)
Min: Not disruptiveMax: Extremely disruptive
Q8
Multiple Choice
Which elements did the error message include? Select all that apply.
  • Plain-language description
  • Technical code or identifier
  • Suggested next steps
  • Retry button
  • Link to help or contact
  • Diagnostic details (logs/trace)
  • None of the above
  • Don’t remember
Q9
Matrix
Please rate the error message on the following aspects.
RowsStrongly disagreeDisagreeNeitherAgreeStrongly agree
Used clear, everyday language•••••
Explained what went wrong•••••
Explained what I could do next•••••
Stated impact on my work or data•••••
Provided links or buttons to act•••••
Included any error code that was understandable•••••
Q10
Opinion Scale
How confident were you that you knew the right next step after seeing the error?
Range: 1 – 10
Min: Not at allMid: SomewhatMax: Completely
Q11
Multiple Choice
Were you able to complete your task after encountering the error?
  • Yes, immediately
  • Yes, after trying one or more steps
  • No, I could not complete my task
Q12
Numeric
About how many minutes did it take to recover and continue?
Accepts a numeric value
Whole numbers only
Q13
Ranking
Rank the following aids from most to least helpful during recovery.
Drag to order (top = most important)
  1. Specific steps to fix
  2. Retry action
  3. Undo/restore
  4. Link to detailed help
  5. Contact support option
  6. Searchable error code
Q14
Multiple Choice
Which support options would you have wanted at that moment? Select all that apply.
  • Clear step-by-step guidance
  • Retry option
  • Undo or restore
  • Link to help article
  • Contact live support
  • Report the problem
  • Community forum
  • Other
Q15
Multiple Choice
Attention check: To confirm you’re paying attention, please select “I am paying attention.”
  • I am paying attention
  • I am not paying attention
  • Prefer not to answer
Q16
Constant Sum
Allocate responsibility for the error across the following (total must equal 100).
Total must equal 100
Min per option: 0Whole numbers only
Q17
Long Text
If you could rewrite the error message to be clearer, what would it say?
Max 600 chars
Q18
Multiple Choice
Where did this error occur?
  • Desktop app
  • Mobile app
  • Web browser on desktop/laptop
  • Web browser on mobile
  • Command line or terminal
  • Other
Q19
Multiple Choice
Which best describes your role?
  • Software engineer/developer
  • QA/test engineer
  • Product manager
  • Designer/UX
  • Data/analytics
  • IT/Support
  • General or non-technical user
  • Other
Q20
Multiple Choice
How many years of experience do you have using or building software?
  • 0–1 years
  • 2–4 years
  • 5–9 years
  • 10–14 years
  • 15+ years
Q21
Opinion Scale
How would you rate your technical proficiency?
Range: 1 – 10
Min: Very lowMid: ModerateMax: Very high
Q22
Multiple Choice
Which industry do you primarily work in?
  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Government/Public sector
  • Retail/eCommerce
  • Media/Entertainment
  • Other
  • Prefer not to say
Q23
Multiple Choice
Where do you primarily live?
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • North America
  • Oceania
  • South America
  • Prefer not to say
Q24
Long Text
Is there anything else you want to share about error messages or this survey?
Max 600 chars
Q25
AI Interview
AI Interview: 2 Follow-up Questions on Your Error Experience
AI InterviewLength: 2Personality: Expert InterviewerMode: Fast
Q26
Chat Message
Thank you for your time—your feedback helps improve error communication and recovery.

Ready to Get Started?

Launch your survey in minutes with this pre-built template

Use This TemplateBrowse More Templates
Error Message UX Survey Template for Software & Apps - Survey Template | QuestionPunk