Before there is anything to show.
WHAT AN EMPTY STATE IS
What a screen shows when there is no data.
WHY IT MATTERS
It is the first thing every new user sees.
WHAT IT USUALLY SHOWS
Nothing, or an error, because it was never designed.
WHAT IT SHOULD DO
Explain what belongs here Explain why it is empty Offer the action that fills it
THAT THIRD POINT
An empty state is the best place to teach the interface.
WHAT TO DISTINGUISH
Empty because it is new Empty because a filter excluded everything Empty because something failed
THOSE NEED DIFFERENT MESSAGES
The second should say which filter, and offer to clear it.
WHAT TO AVOID
"No results" alone Blank space An empty table with headers
WHAT TO PROVIDE FOR A NEW ACCOUNT
A clear first action, and an idea of what the thing will look like once used.
WHAT TO TEST
Every screen, with no data at all.
