Best 404 Pages: Creative Examples and Why They Matter

A negative user experience deters 88% of users from revisiting a website. A 404 page is often the first (and maybe the only) time a user engages with a website after an error occurs. It can occur because of a server malfunction, a page relocation without proper redirection, a typographical error in the URL, or a broken link.

A 404 page notifies users of the problem and gently redirects them back to functional parts of your site. If a 404 page is badly designed, users may become frustrated, disoriented, and abandon the website entirely.

We have curated a selection of exemplary 404 pages that illustrate how this frequently disregarded component can greatly improve, rather than detract from, the user’s entire experience.

Creative 404 Page Inspirations

A 404 page should align with the brand’s established tone of voice, turning a potentially sterile error message into friendly and personable communication. Beyond simply informing the user of the error, a creative 404 page can entertain and amuse.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the creativity on display in these 404-page examples.

1. Lego

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Lego, known for its playful creativity, extends this spirit to its 404 page. Rather than a blunt error notice, they inject humour with the exclamation “Oh bricks!”

The accompanying image of a surprised Lego figure, often Emmet from the Lego movies, mirrors the user’s surprise at landing on a broken link.

The message gently encourages a return to the homepage, framing it as a helpful act for both the user and the slightly bewildered Lego character. It’s a simple idea, but the horrified expression on the Lego man’s face, combined with their “everything is awesome” tagline, makes the whole 404 experience surprisingly enjoyable. You almost don’t mind getting lost!

2. Spotify

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Spotify’s 404 page is all about keeping the music playing, even when you hit the wrong note. The error message maintains the familiar navigation bar and incorporates links to helpful resources like FAQs, providing a seamless transition back to relevant content.

Instead of a dead end, Spotify presents a detour, transforming a potential point of frustration into a minor, easily navigated hiccup in the user’s experience. A stylised turntable animation, alongside a music-related error message, completes the design with a distinctive character.

3. Dribbble

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Dribbble is known as a hub for digital designers to showcase their work, so it is only fitting that its 404 page embodies that same creative spirit. The 404 texts itself is composed of images from various designers, carefully arranged by colour.

By shifting the slider, users can change the dominant hue, instantly refreshing the page with new work that fits the selected palette.

A search bar is also available for those searching for something specific, making it easy to browse designs or discover new creators. Dribbble’s approach to the 404 experience ensures that even if users land here by accident, they still find value at every touchpoint.

4. Kualo

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Kualo, a long-standing web hosting provider, takes a unique approach to its 404 page by transforming an error into an opportunity for fun. Instead of simply redirecting lost visitors, Kualo treats them to a fully playable, retro-style Space Invaders game—except this time, the invaders spell out “Kualo” in pixelated form.

The game plays like a classic arcade favourite, challenging players to defeat the invaders before they take over.

An added incentive is that anyone who scores over 1,000 points is rewarded with a discount on Kualo’s hosting services. This keeps users on the site longer, and those who prefer to skip the game can always return to the main site and resume browsing.

5. 9Gag

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9GAG, the internet’s go-to hub for humour, transforms the typical 404 error into a moment of delight that perfectly reflects its brand personality. The page features minimalistic copy, letting a creatively reimagined version of a classic Simpsons GIF do most of the talking.

9GAG taps into shared cultural humour to ease the frustration of encountering an error with a well-known meme reference.

Additionally, the page subtly guides visitors toward the mobile version of the site, promising an even richer scrolling experience. This strategic nudge ensures that users can continue to enjoy the humour and content they came for despite the navigation hiccup.

6. Wendy’s

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Wendy’s, renowned for its quirky online persona, delivers a surprising and amusing 404 page. In keeping with its unique brand, Wendy’s has included a playable version of the arcade game BurgerTime from the 1980s right inside the page. Playing as a red-headed Wendy, users must avoid pink slime monsters while building burger components.

It is a fun, nostalgic Easter egg that even those unfamiliar with the original game can appreciate. Before consumers return to their internet trip, the entertaining game provides a surprise and an opportunity to interact with the business light-heartedly, diverting their attention from the annoyance of a broken link.

The Bottom Line

While diligent link checking and redirects can minimise their occurrence, 404 errors are an unavoidable part of the web experience. A strategically designed 404 page is an essential aspect of website development and management, guiding users back to the website’s navigable sections. It is a chance to mitigate frustration and prevent users from abandoning the site altogether.

Turn that default “page not found” message into a moment to exhibit your brand’s unique character. Crazy Domains website building tools and design resources can help you craft a 404 experience that keeps users coming back for more.

Contact us today to get started!