Creative 404 Pages: Turning Errors into Engaging Experiences
Do you enjoy encountering a 404 page while browsing the web? Probably not, but you might change your mind after seeing some of the creative 404 page examples we’ve collected here. Web developers use clever design, humor, and unique messages to make the 404 error less of a disappointment for site visitors.
If you’re looking to design a creative 404 page for your own website, this list is your ultimate guide. See how others use witty content and thoughtful CSS animations to ease the frustration of landing on an error page.
Examples of Creative 404 Pages
- Pixar: Known for pulling at heartstrings, Pixar’s 404 page features Sadness, reminding visitors that what they seek may be misplaced in Long Term Memory.
- Mantra Labs: Their simple yet interesting 404 page includes an animated astronaut floating through the ‘404’ text, with a message signaling the page is beyond reach and an automatic redirect to the homepage.
- Dan Woodger: This page features a cute illustration of a hamburger on roller skates, carrying a ‘sorry’ flag. It’s a witty reflection of the site’s theme.
- Traqq: Minimalism at its best, Traqq’s 404 page offers a simple explanation of the error, guidance for server issues, and a link to their Time Tracker homepage.
- Drift: Drift lightens the mood with humor by embedding a video of DJ Khaled lost at sea, making the visitor’s situation seem less dire.
- Omelet: For pun lovers, Omelet uses wordplay with an animated crack and a message saying, ‘The page is eggstinct,’ along with a minimalist navigation bar.
- 9Gag: A gif of a confused man mouthing ‘What the f**k?’ keeps visitors entertained, maintaining the site’s humorous tone.
- Ready to Go Survival: Featuring Morpheus from The Matrix, this 404 page captivates visitors with a choice between the Red Pill and the Blue Pill.
- Flywheel: A simple, beautiful design with sharp humor, featuring a ‘0’ designed like a black hole, appeals to designer-oriented visitors.
- Ueno: An animated hotdog runs through a surreal environment, with hilarious explanatory text, creating a memorable experience.
- Slack: Slack distracts visitors with unique visuals of floating islands and farm animals, making the error page a dream-like escape.
- Comedy Central: Known for its humor, this site uses sarcasm to entertain visitors, offering recommended shows to lighten the mood.
Creating a humorous yet practical 404 page is no easy feat, even for big brands. We hope this list inspires you to design a custom 404 page that reflects your brand’s personality.
