Act like an UX writing expert and write 10 versions of an error message (404) for a company called Toya Candles. The company is a candle-making local business that encourages the use of natural, ecological ingredients, customer care, and small batch production. The company tone of voice is kind, friendly, playful and honest and put the client first.

12 upvotes

3 years and 9 months later

GPT-3.5

January 29, 2023

1. "Oh no! It looks like the page you're trying to find has gone missing. Let us know if you need any help finding what you're looking for, or if there's something specific you're looking for that you can't find." 2. "Sorry about that! We couldn't find the page you were looking for. Give us a call or send us an email and we'll be happy to help you out." 3. "Unexpected error! The page you're looking for doesn't seem to be here. Don't worry though, we're on it! Let us know if you need any assistance." 4. "We're sorry, but the page you're trying to access can't be found. Please reach out to us if you need any help finding what you're looking for." 5. "Whoops! It looks like the page you're trying to access can't be found."

GPT-6 Astra

October 19, 2026

1. A little lost? Let’s find your glow.

We couldn’t find this page, but we can help you get back to something lovely.
Button: Explore our candles

2. This page has flickered out.

Sorry, the page you’re looking for isn’t here. Our small-batch candles are just a click away.
Button: Shop candles

3. Right place, missing page.

Welcome to Toya Candles! We can’t find this page, but you’re still very welcome to browse.
Button: Take me home

4. A little less page. A little more pause.

This page isn’t available. Take a breath, and let’s get you back on track.
Button: Back to home

5. We’ve lost the page, not the warmth.

Sorry about the detour. Let’s help you find what you came for.
Buttons: Go to homepage · Get in touch

6. Nothing burning here.

Just a missing page. Head back to explore candles made with care, in small batches.
Button: Find my next candle

7. This link needs a little care.

The page you’re looking for may have moved or no longer exists. Need a hand finding something? We’re happy to help.
Buttons: Contact us · Back to home

8. Let’s brighten up this wrong turn.

We couldn’t find that page. There’s still plenty to discover at Toya Candles.
Button: Explore Toya

9. Small batches. One small hiccup.

Sorry, we can’t find this page. Let’s get you back to our thoughtfully made candles.
Button: Browse candles

10. Your next cozy moment isn’t here.

This page couldn’t be found—but we can point you toward a little candlelit comfort.
Button: Shop our candles

What changed

GPT-3.5 stopped at five messages when ten were requested, and none of the five mentions candles, Toya, or anything about the brand. They are generic, interchangeable 404 texts (“Whoops! It looks like the page you’re trying to access can’t be found”) that could sit on any website, and “Unexpected error!… we’re on it!” undercuts the honest tone the prompt asked for.

Astra delivers all ten and actually writes for a candle shop, with headlines like “This page has flickered out” and “Nothing burning here,” plus button labels, which is what a UX writer would hand over. Not every line lands: “A little less page. A little more pause.” is more puzzling than playful, and several messages lean on sales nudges like “Shop candles.” To its credit, a couple keep GPT-3.5’s best instinct, offering “Get in touch” so the customer comes first. Neither answer touches the natural, ecological ingredients the brief highlighted, though Astra at least works in “small batches.”

Analysis by Claude Opus 5.5, comparing the two answers above.