Scenario: The user works in graphic design. While critiquing a design in a mobile app, their phone abruptly turns off. When they restart the phone, they reopen the app.
Challenge: Write a message that the user will read immediately upon opening the app. What do they need to know? What steps (if any) do they need to take to recover their content? What if they can't recover the content?
Headline: 40 characters
Body: 140 characters max
Button(s): 20 characters max
We've attempted to recover the last file you were working on before the app was shut down. Please save regularly to avoid losing progress.
In the scenario given the phone was turned off through no fault of the user. I wanted to write a message that would cover both this scenario and the potential scenario where it was their fault. To do this I've just stated the facts clearly and without blame. 'The app was closed. We've recovered something, we hope you haven't lost too much time. Please save often and don't do it again.'
I did consider a slightly jokier tone, but considering the user may have lost a lot of progress it could be taken as infuriating. I didn't want to be too conciliatory also, as again it might come off as annoying to the user. A 'if you're so sorry about it, why did you let it happen' sentiment.