Page 1 of 1

Database Down error pages...

Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 4:01 pm
by nielsene
Assuming you have a dynamic website, where components of the "chrome" (menubars/ footers/etc) are pulled from the database; which do you prefer for the "database down" error page?

1. Simple "chromeless" page, ie obviously not the general site layout. Probably black text on white background, slightly larger, etc.

2. Normal page layout, with "Unavailable" place holders stuck into the dynamic elements of the chrome, and the error message in the normal content area, but in the application's normal error style.

Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 4:24 pm
by feyd
I prefer the second, just to maintain consistency in the site, although I try to gracefully degrade if data isn't available. :)

Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 5:32 pm
by nielsene
If your side bar had a list of "Recent Posts" or "Upcoming Events"; the type of thing that would like like 3-6 links and then have a "[more]" link, how would you degrade that gracefully? (I know about createing a "Null Object" to fake being the database, but what would you suggest showing? Something like "Data temporarily offline" or "Technical Difficulties" or "[none]", etc)

Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 7:23 pm
by feyd
I try to work the design such that the information hides, just not showing anything. Certain things, like say a calendar, would in itself still display, but a small note would be placed underneath stating the information source is unavailable at this time.