In UI/UX design, empty states occur when the content of an item can’t be shown. Empty states can display a wide range of elements, including list items, search bars that return no results, animations, or illustrations.
Empty states give the user time to think about the next step. It offers an answer when there is nothing to display creating a better user experience. Empty states can differ and are available in many situations such as searching for results, empty checkout carts, 404 errors, and so on.
In UI/UX design, empty states can occur when the design is first opened, when an input field is completed inappropriately, or when no results are available for specific research. They can even be considered a means of communication between the design and the user.
Empty states offer a better understanding of the situation for the users. No one enjoys entering a site and being in the dark when something doesn’t happen as it is supposed to. It can be looking for an answer, completing an input fired wrong or waiting for the site to launch. All those situations require further explanations in order for a good user experience to be maintained. So, this is where empathy states intervene and give the necessary information.
- In UI design, it’s important when a certain app, site, or website is not launched to let the users know that it will appear soon.
- Another important principle of design in the UI world is to help the users see if they entered an unknown input. Without the empty state letting the user know something has not been completed right, they might feel overwhelmed and even frustrated. Which can trigger a bad user experience and even in the users to leave the site.
- Empty spaces have the meaning of filling empty fields when the data is missing and can be displayed everywhere on a design.
- They can be encountered when errors such as permission issues, system issues, or configurations are required to happen.
- Empty states can be used to highlight the fact that the user needs to do a certain task or that they can get started.
Empty states can be used in many ways to fit best the overall design and keep consistency in the UI design. We can observe them as buttons, CTAs, or even accompanied by illustrations and emojis that will make the whole situation seem better than it actually is.
- Empty spaces can be encountered anywhere and are joined by an image related to the situation or text, icons, buttons, or CTA.
- Empty states need to replace the space an element would have occupied, creating a more aesthetically pleasing interface.
- Use basic elements that are deductible and can be understood easily by the user.
- Be clear and precise about the missing data.
- Keep the word count low and fast to read.
- In the situation where the users need to complete the following step, include CTA or buttons.
Creating empty states can become easier than ever with the help of a design system. With a design system, we automatically eliminate this dead time. Creating a component takes time – not only for designing but also for research and feedback. However, clearer guidelines mean less research and fewer rounds of feedback, which means fewer revisions. With a design system, it also means fewer risks of error.
We at uinkits understand the importance of great user experiences and creating amazing UI designs. That’s why we’ve developed a Figma UI Kit with design components that include these essential UI elements that enable you to design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces effortlessly.
“You press the button, we do the rest.” – Kodak.
Inspired by this iconic tagline from Kodak, we believe in simplifying the design process for you. Our Figma UI Kit, uinkits, is a complete design system with UI components that allows you, as a UI UX designer, to create your products as quickly as pressing a button.
Our design system includes UI components, icons, variables, cards, buttons and everything you need for your design process. All you have to do is take your UI design component needed, and you’re ready to use it in your designs!
