5 Tips For Better Empty States in UI Design
Dec 3, 2024
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2 min read
Empty states are more than just a blank screen—they’re an opportunity to guide and engage your users. By designing them thoughtfully, you can provide clarity, reduce frustration, and even encourage action. Let’s look at how you can make the most of empty states with these simple tips.
What are empty states?
Empty states are a part of a user flow when there is nothing to display. The ideal empty state consists of the following:
Title
Explanation
Illustration
CTA (Call to action)
Tip 1: Explain why the screen is empty
When you’re designing empty states, it is important to explain why the screen is empty. It provides context and explains why there isn’t any data (yet).
Tip 2: Use positive wording
Using positive wording while designing empty states is essential. You can do so by highlighting what users can do rather than what they can’t do. That way, you’re providing positive and empowering guidance to encourage action.
Tip 3: Suggest next action
By proposing an action while designing empty states, you will reduce frustration and improve UX. You will also prevent confusion, and guide the user forward. By doing so you’re making the user experience more enjoyable.
Tip 4: Use relevant visuals
It’s important that you avoid using unrelated imagery when designing empty states, as it can mislead and confuse users. It’s better to use imagery that helps with information processing, enhances the message, and directs user attention.
Tip 5: Use empty states as learning opportunities
You can use empty states as learning opportunities by providing in-context help, which can often be applied right away. Hence, it’s often more successful than forced tutorials.
Conclusion
Empty states don’t have to feel like missed opportunities. By explaining why the screen is empty, using positive language, and suggesting actions, you can turn them into moments that improve the user experience. Use these tips to make your empty states clear, helpful, and engaging.
What are empty states?
Empty states are a part of a user flow when there is nothing to display. The ideal empty state consists of the following:
Title
Explanation
Illustration
CTA (Call to action)
Tip 1: Explain why the screen is empty
When you’re designing empty states, it is important to explain why the screen is empty. It provides context and explains why there isn’t any data (yet).
Tip 2: Use positive wording
Using positive wording while designing empty states is essential. You can do so by highlighting what users can do rather than what they can’t do. That way, you’re providing positive and empowering guidance to encourage action.
Tip 3: Suggest next action
By proposing an action while designing empty states, you will reduce frustration and improve UX. You will also prevent confusion, and guide the user forward. By doing so you’re making the user experience more enjoyable.
Tip 4: Use relevant visuals
It’s important that you avoid using unrelated imagery when designing empty states, as it can mislead and confuse users. It’s better to use imagery that helps with information processing, enhances the message, and directs user attention.
Tip 5: Use empty states as learning opportunities
You can use empty states as learning opportunities by providing in-context help, which can often be applied right away. Hence, it’s often more successful than forced tutorials.
Conclusion
Empty states don’t have to feel like missed opportunities. By explaining why the screen is empty, using positive language, and suggesting actions, you can turn them into moments that improve the user experience. Use these tips to make your empty states clear, helpful, and engaging.
If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.
Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team
If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.
Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team
