Fixing 'Maximum Attempts Reached' Error On Verify Page

by Alex Johnson 55 views

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the implementation of an error page/component to handle the scenario where a user exceeds the maximum allowed attempts on the Verify.jsx page. This issue arises when a user receives three invalid_credentials errors while attempting to verify their information. This enhancement aims to provide clear feedback to veterans and prevent further unsuccessful attempts, thereby improving the overall user experience. This is a crucial step in ensuring that users understand when they have entered incorrect information and are not left in a state of confusion. We will delve into the specifics of the problem, the proposed solution, and the technical details involved in implementing the fix. This includes the design aspects, the necessary updates to the codebase, and the testing procedures required to ensure the solution's effectiveness.

Understanding the Problem

The primary issue occurs on the Verify.jsx page, where veterans are required to enter their Date of Birth (DOB) and Last Name for verification. If the entered information does not match the records, the /vass/v0/request-otc API returns an invalid_credentials error. Currently, if this error occurs three times, the user is not provided with a clear indication of the problem, leading to a frustrating experience. This lack of feedback can result in users repeatedly entering incorrect information, unsure of what went wrong. It's essential to provide a clear and informative error message to guide users on the next steps, such as re-entering their information or seeking assistance. By addressing this issue, we not only improve the user experience but also reduce the likelihood of users abandoning the verification process altogether.

The Proposed Solution

To address this, we propose the implementation of a dedicated error page that is displayed when a user receives three invalid_credentials errors. This page will clearly state that the system could not verify the user's information and prevent them from attempting the verification process again. The new error page will serve as a clear and direct communication tool, informing users that there is an issue with the information they have provided. This proactive approach helps in managing user expectations and guides them towards resolving the issue more efficiently. The error page will also include options for the user to seek help or contact support, ensuring that they are not left stranded in case of persistent issues.

Acceptance Criteria

To ensure the solution meets the required standards, the following acceptance criteria have been defined:

  • Error Page Display: A "We couldn't verify your information" page should be displayed when the entered details return an invalid_credentials error response three times.
  • Design Compliance: The page must match the Figma designs, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly interface.
  • Documentation: Technical and feature reference documentation must be updated to reflect the changes.
  • Testing: Tests must be added or updated to validate the functionality of the error page.

Detailed Breakdown of Acceptance Criteria

Let's delve deeper into each of these acceptance criteria to understand their significance and how they contribute to the overall success of the solution.

  1. Error Page Display: This is the core of the solution. The error page must appear precisely when a user has entered incorrect credentials three times. The system needs to accurately track the number of failed attempts and trigger the error page accordingly. This criterion ensures that the user is promptly informed about the issue and is prevented from making further unsuccessful attempts. It is vital for the user experience to provide this feedback in a timely and clear manner.
  2. Design Compliance: The error page should not only be functional but also visually consistent with the rest of the application. Adhering to the Figma designs ensures that the user interface remains cohesive and professional. This includes elements such as layout, typography, and color scheme. Maintaining design consistency enhances the user's trust in the system and makes the error message feel like a natural part of the application flow. A well-designed error page can significantly reduce user frustration.
  3. Documentation: Thorough documentation is crucial for the long-term maintainability and understanding of the system. Technical documentation should outline the code changes and the logic behind the implementation. Feature reference documentation should explain the purpose and functionality of the error page to stakeholders and other team members. Up-to-date documentation ensures that future developers can easily understand and modify the code, and that the feature is well-understood by everyone involved.
  4. Testing: Robust testing is essential to guarantee that the error page functions correctly under various scenarios. This includes unit tests to verify the behavior of individual components and integration tests to ensure that the error page interacts seamlessly with the rest of the application. Comprehensive testing helps to identify and fix potential issues before they affect users.

Technical Details

Area(s) of Work

This task primarily involves frontend development.

Primary Files / Modules

The key file to be modified is src/applications/vass/pages/Verify.jsx. Additionally, the /vass/v0/request-otc API is relevant to this task.

Detailed Technical Steps

  1. Modify Verify.jsx: The Verify.jsx file needs to be updated to track the number of invalid_credentials errors received. A counter should be implemented to keep track of failed attempts. After three failed attempts, the component should render the new error page instead of the regular verification form. This involves adding state management to track the error count and conditional rendering to display the appropriate content. Efficient state management is crucial to ensure that the error count is accurately maintained across different interactions.
  2. Implement Error Page Component: A new component needs to be created to display the "We couldn't verify your information" message. This component should match the Figma designs and provide a clear and user-friendly interface. The component should also include options for the user to seek help or contact support. The design of this component should be empathetic and reassuring, guiding the user towards the next steps.
  3. API Interaction: The /vass/v0/request-otc API is the source of the invalid_credentials error. The frontend needs to handle this error appropriately and increment the error counter. This involves adding error handling logic to the API request and response processing. Proper error handling is essential to ensure that the application behaves predictably in the face of unexpected responses.
  4. Mock Data: Mock data should be added to simulate both successful and error responses from the API. This allows for thorough testing of the error page functionality. The mock data should include scenarios where the API returns invalid_credentials errors and scenarios where the verification is successful. Using mock data enables developers to test different scenarios without relying on a live API, which can be invaluable during the development process.
  5. Testing: Unit tests should be written to verify the behavior of the Verify.jsx component and the new error page component. Integration tests should be performed to ensure that the error page is displayed correctly after three failed attempts. These tests should cover various scenarios, including different types of errors and edge cases. Comprehensive testing ensures that the solution is robust and reliable.

Dependencies

This work is dependent on the completion of issue #126752. It is also important to consider any toggles, APIs, or systems that might be impacted by this work.

Design / Assets

The following resources are relevant to the design and implementation of this feature:

  • Figma Design Spec: The Figma design specification provides the visual guidelines for the error page. This ensures that the implemented component matches the intended design and maintains consistency with the rest of the application.
  • Swagger File / API Doc: The Swagger file and API documentation provide details about the /vass/v0/request-otc API, including the expected request and response formats. This information is crucial for implementing the error handling logic.

Conclusion

Implementing an error page for the "maximum attempts reached" scenario on the Verify.jsx page is a crucial step in enhancing the user experience. By providing clear feedback and preventing further unsuccessful attempts, we can significantly reduce user frustration. The outlined acceptance criteria and technical details provide a comprehensive guide for implementing this solution effectively. This enhancement not only addresses a specific issue but also contributes to the overall quality and usability of the application. By focusing on user-centered design and thorough testing, we can ensure that the final product meets the needs of our users and provides a seamless experience.

For further reading on user experience design and error handling best practices, you can visit the Nielsen Norman Group, a trusted source for UX research and insights.