Account Login Design

[CGYFlames03]

I’m curious as to what is the best design when it comes to an account/login application being down. For example, if American Express’ account management was down, is it best for the user to enter their user ID and PW, try to log in, then get a new screen with an error message that it’s down for maintenance?

Or, is it more ideal to replace the form on the homepage with a “Sorry, account management is down for routine maintenance” message? I can see arguments for both sides… New users/first time visitors will get negative emotions from seeing something ‘down’.. although users will be frustrated that they had to log in, then get an error message. Furthermore, they might go back and try again and be more dissatisfied.
Anyone have any thoughts on which is better, and what the best design would be? Are there any other options? Thanks!

 

[HeyGeek]

I always work a "login now" link or button that links to the page with the actual login form into each page of the site.... you can then put the "system down" message on the login page.

If you have to have the actual login form on the main page I would recommend letting the customer attempt to login and then tell them the system is down. I would definitely lean towards mildly inconveninceing existing customers over scaring off new ones (having "system down messages displayed all over a site does NOT help with conversions )

Just my 2 cents.