I believe that 404 error pages, at their bare minimum, should help the user while also sprinkling, not forcing, in some advertising or humor.
Many 404 error pages have the same copy as each other, which makes sense since most users will exist the page instantly. However, I wanted to show in this project just how effective these pages can be,
NPR is a nonprofit media organization that is based in Washington, D.C.
Current 404 Page
This 404 error page from NPR does something very unique by connecting the "Page Not Found" to 6 different articles of people, places, and information lost in history. However, the charm of the page is lost due to its execution: the font is too small and there are too many articles that most users will ignore them and never see their relation to each other.
"It's a shame that your page is lost, but at least it's in good company; stick around to browse through NPR stories about lost people, places and things that still haven't turned up."
Revised 404 Page
I shortened and reworded the text so a users could keep their focus on reading through the entire sentence.
6 articles created too much clutter on the page. I deliberately chose these 3 articles to remain since users can relate to the luggage and users also have probably heard of Amelia Earhart and Atlantis.
Basketball Reference is a website full of basketball stats and history for all of the major basketball leagues around the world.
Current 404 Page
The gremlin joke on this page is forced in and doesn't fit the niche of the website.
Most users will know why they ended up on a 404 error page because they've experienced them before. The copy here is just filler and can be removed to create more attention on the other elements of the page.
Revised 404 Page
"OUT OF BOUNDS" is a reference to the rule in basketball where if the ball touches anything outside the lines of play, then the game stops and possession of the ball is given to the team that didn't touch the ball last. Error 404 pages happen when the webpage is outside the boundaries of the website itself, so the connection is straightforward and fits the niche of a basketball reference website.
The Seattle Supersonics was an NBA team that was sold to a new owner who relocated the team to Oklahoma City in 2008, creating the Oklahoma City Thunder. As a result, the Seattle Supersonics no longer exist as of 2023 just like the webpage that prompted Basketball Reference's 404 error page to pop up. This joke fits the 404 error page better than the accusations against gremlins since it is something that relates to basketball.
Silk is a brand that creates plant-based products that act as dairy substitutes, such as oat milk, almond milk, soy yogurt, etc.
Current 404 Page
Silk's current 404 error page also has filler copy like Basketball Reference's. Users will already know what "Page Not Found" means, so having the only useful text, returning to the homepage, indistinct from the filler copy is a little counterintuitive.
Revised 404 Page
This 404 page works as an advertisement that doesn't showcase Silk's products, but instead shows users the benefits of using their products.