View case
Edge cases reveal how a product behaves when things don’t go as planned. Incomplete input, unexpected actions, errors, or accessibility needs are part of real-world usage. Designing only for ideal flows creates products that work in theory, but fail in practice.
The idea of the “average user” is misleading. Most users don’t fit neatly into a middle category. They experience interruptions, make mistakes, or approach tasks in ways designers didn’t anticipate. Ignoring these realities leads to confusion, errors, and loss of trust.
Example: A checkout form that detects and explains an invalid postal code before submission, rather than letting the error occur at the end.
Example: Allowing users to undo a deleted item in a project management tool, instead of permanently removing it immediately.
Example: Ensure color choices meet contrast standards, provide keyboard navigation, and design touch targets large enough for all users.
Example: If a file upload fails due to size or format, provide a clear, actionable message like “This file is too large. Try a file under 10MB or use a different format.”
Products that handle edge cases well feel more reliable, understandable, and human. Users feel supported instead of blamed, can recover from mistakes, and complete tasks without frustration. At the same time, businesses benefit from fewer errors, lower support requests, higher task completion rates, and stronger trust in the product. Thoughtful edge-case-aware design creates experiences that work in the real world, boosting confidence for both users and organizations alike.
We design beyond the happy path. By embracing edge cases early, we create experiences that hold up in real-world use, not just in ideal conditions.
