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More helpful 404 page for production mode prototypes #575

@GrilloPress

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@GrilloPress

When sharing a prototype externally (e.g. on Heroku), a mistyped or dodgy URL currently shows a very bare "Not found" message. This can make it look like the whole prototype is broken, rather than just the specific page.

For example, when a URL is pasted into PowerPoint, it can automatically add characters or whitespace, resulting in a dodgy link (e.g. a space becomes %20). The current 404 experience doesn’t make it clear that the prototype itself is working fine and that it's just that the page doesn’t exist.

Image of a blank white page with the text Not Found

It would be helpful if the 404 page:

  • Looked more polished
  • Reassured users that the prototype is still running
  • Suggested checking the URL or returning to the start

This is especially useful when prototypes are shared with non-technical stakeholders.

However, i think it's ideal the 404 looks ugly in development mode. As that's a good sign that something broke. But when it comes to being in production mode (ie on heroku etc.) then it's better to be more gentle.

Thanks!

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