Empty States Matter

Open a brand new app.
What do you see?
Most of the time - nothing.

That first impression is the empty state.
And it matters more than most people think.

Why empty states matter

• They are the first thing new users see.

• They set the tone for the whole experience.

• They guide people on what to do next.

• They can delight or confuse.

A good empty state is not just blank space.
It is an invitation.
It is a conversation with the user when there is nothing else to say.

Think of it this way:
When your product is full of data, features, and activity, the user already has context.
When it is empty, they are lost.
Your job is to guide them.

The bad kind of empty state

<div class="empty">
  <p>No data.</p>
</div>

This is not helpful.
It tells the user nothing.
Why is it empty? What should they do?
It is like a shrug instead of an answer.

The better kind

<div class="empty">
  <h2>No projects yet</h2>
  <p>Start by creating your first project.</p>
  <button type="button">Create Project</button>
</div>

This one explains:

• What is missing.

• Why it is missing.

• What the user should do next.

A single sentence and a clear button can turn frustration into progress.

Add a touch of delight

<div class="empty">
  <img src="/illustration-empty.svg" alt="Empty illustration" />
  <h2>Your task list is empty</h2>
  <p>Enjoy the calm - or add a new task.</p>
  <button type="button">Add Task</button>
</div>

Visuals or playful copy can turn emptiness into personality.
Done right, it makes the product memorable.
This is also an opportunity to make the product feel human, not mechanical.

Types of empty states

1. First-time use - nothing is there yet. Teach how to start.

2. Cleared out - user finished everything. Celebrate or encourage more.

3. Error or lost state - something failed. Guide recovery.

4. Filtered out - user applied a filter that hides everything. Suggest reset.

5. Permission-based - user cannot see something due to access. Explain and guide.

Real-world examples

• Email app - first-time empty inbox should say “You have no emails yet. Connect your account.”

• To-do app - finishing tasks should celebrate: “All done! Take a break.”

• Analytics app - if filters return no data, suggest changing date range.

Each case is different. The copy and design must match the context.

Checklist for good empty states

• Explain why it is empty.

• Suggest the next action.

• Add a clear CTA (button, link, or input).

• Use visuals or copy to give it personality.

• Handle different types of emptiness differently.

• Do not leave the user stranded. Always offer a way forward.

Final thought

Empty states are not wasted space.
They are part of the story.
They can teach, guide, encourage, and even delight.

Treat them with care, and your product will feel alive - even when there is nothing to show.