Empty States in UI Design: Why They Matter More Than You Think

What are empty states in UI design?

Empty states appear when there is nothing to show in a section of the app or website. These often happen when:

• A user is new and hasn’t added any data yet.

• Content hasn’t loaded due to an error or no results.

• A user has completed all tasks or cleared content.

Instead of showing a blank screen, designers can use this opportunity to guide users, encourage actions, and even bring some personality to the product.

Why empty states are so important

Empty states in UI design are often your one chance to help users take action when they feel stuck. Here’s why they’re critical:

1. They provide direction. A well-designed empty state shows users what they should do next, like "Upload your first file" or "Search for something to get started."

2. They set expectations. An empty state can help users understand what this part of the product is for, even if there's no content yet.

3. They build connections. Clever copy, delightful illustrations, or subtle animations can turn a boring moment into a brand-building opportunity.

4. They reduce confusion. Without an empty state, users might think something is broken or loading incorrectly. A thoughtful message reassures them.

Types of empty states to design for

Let’s break down the most common types of empty states you will likely design:

1. First-time use

When users open a feature for the first time, it will naturally be empty. Use this chance to:

• Educate the user with brief guidance.

• Encourage action.

• Use visual cues to make it clear what they are looking at.

2. No results

Search functions or filters often return nothing. Avoid dead ends with:

• Suggestions

• Humor or personality (if it suits your brand).

• Options to reset or explore related content.

3. Cleared or completed content

Celebrate when users finish something or clear a list. This can be a great moment to:

• Congratulate them.

• Offer next steps.

• Reinforce good feelings about using the product.

4. Errors or connection issues

Even when things go wrong, the UI should support the user.

Include:

• A clear explanation.

• Steps to fix it or try again.

• Friendly tone to ease frustration.

Tips for designing great empty states

To make your empty states work harder for your users, try these design tips:

• Use friendly, simple language. Avoid technical jargon. Speak like a human.

• Add visuals that match the tone. Cute icons, light illustrations, or brand mascots work well.

• Include a CTA (Call to Action). Guide the user on what they should do next; don’t leave them guessing.

• Keep accessibility in mind. Make sure your text is readable, and images aren’t the only way to communicate.

If you want more tips for designing great empty states, check out this article, where we share five tips for better empty states in UI design.

Final thoughts

So, are empty states in UI design important? Absolutely. They’re a chance to communicate, guide, and delight when users might otherwise feel lost or frustrated.

Don’t treat them as afterthoughts. Instead, design them with as much care as any other part of the UI. When you do, your users will notice and thank you for it.