Empty states

Empty States

Empty states are screens or sections in an app or website that appear when there’s no content yet. This could be an empty shopping cart, a blank search result, or a new account without any saved data. Instead of showing a dull blank page, a good empty state provides guidance, encouragement, or a call to action to help users move forward.

Why it’s important for your business

A well-designed empty state prevents confusion and keeps users engaged. If people land on a blank screen with no direction, they might leave. But if the empty state is helpful (suggesting next steps or showing a friendly message) it can improve user experience and increase conversions.

Examples

1. E-commerce: An online store’s empty shopping cart includes a message like "Your cart is empty! Start shopping now," with a button leading to best-selling products.
2. Finance: A banking app’s empty transaction history provides a message like "No transactions yet. Add money to get started," with a shortcut to deposit funds.
3. Travel-Tech: A booking app’s empty saved trips page encourages users by saying "Plan your next trip! Explore popular destinations," with a link to travel deals.

Empty states are small details that make a big difference, helping users feel guided instead of lost.

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