User Experience
Empty State
Plain English
When there’s nothing there yet.
Definition
An empty state is a UI condition where no glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term or content is available to display.
In practice
Used to guide users on what to do next, such as adding content or starting an action.
In context
It is the first thing every new user sees and the last thing most teams design. A blank screen with a message saying no items teaches nothing about what to do next.
The reality
Empty states are often overlooked, leaving users confused about what to do.
Compared with
Empty State vs Onboarding
Onboarding is a deliberate introductory sequence. An empty state is what a screen shows when it has no content, whenever that happens. A well-designed empty state does onboarding work without a separate flow.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is an empty state?
It is when a screen has no content to show.
Why are empty states important?
They guide users on what to do next.
What makes a good empty state?
Clear messaging and a next step.
What happens with poor empty states?
Users feel lost or unsure what to do.
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