Introduction
Don't make the user stare at a blank screen.
Empty states in applications are not just empty spaces or screens saying 'no data'.
They are sensitive psychological moments, silent UX touchpoints with a deep impact, where the user appears hesitant, confused, or waiting without guidance.
There is no error.
There is no loading.
Just... nothing.
And in this silence, many products unintentionally tell the user:
"You are not in the right place yet."
And here lies the opportunity:
You either lose them or gain their trust.
I learned the hard way that empty states are not placeholders.
They are moments of dialogue.
In this article, I share how I design empty states to feel human, understandable, and intentional — not mechanical or forgotten.
Why are empty states more important than you think?
Empty states appear in critical situations, such as:
The first use of the application
After data deletion
When filters are applied that hide all results
When a 'silent' error occurs without a clear message
These are not interface gaps... but emotional gaps.
A smart designer does not leave the user alone there, but meets them with a calm, clear, and encouraging language.
Ignoring it = hesitation.
Designing it well = a sense of guidance.
The golden rule: empty states are emotional moments.
The user does not think:
"This is an empty state."
But thinks:
Did I make a mistake?
What do I do now?
Is this application even useful?
Your good design should answer these questions immediately.
1. Start with reassurance… not commands.
The worst thing you can do is jump straight to instructions.
❌ "No data available"
✅ "It seems you haven't added anything yet — let's get started together"
Reassurance removes blame and anxiety.
It makes the user feel like they are in a conversation, not an interrogation.
2. Speak as a human… not as a system.
System language is cold.
Human language builds trust.
The difference is not cosmetic, but psychological.
Words design the feeling before the interface.
3. Always answer the question: "What now?"
An empty state without guidance = dead end.
Every empty state should contain:
One clear step
Only one action
Without confusion
For example:
Create your first project
Add a new item
Adjust the filters
Just one… is enough.
4. Match the tone with the context.
Not all empty states are happy.
An empty state after the first use ≠ an empty state after an error.
Tone is more important than colours.
The message is more important than the illustration.
5. Use visual elements sparingly.
Illustrations are optional.
Clarity is mandatory.
And if you use images:
Keep them simple.
Avoid repetitive stock illustrations.
Make them supportive, not distracting.
A smart icon > a loud illustration.
Read also:UX/UI design trends in 2026: when the product becomes the "hero".
6. Design it as if it is a disguised onboarding.
The first empty state is the first usage lesson.
It should clarify:
What is the purpose of this section?
What is its value?
How do I get started?
Here you are setting expectations.
7. Don't hide the emptiness behind skeletons forever.
Skeleton loaders are great... but sometimes nothing is coming.
Quickly show the empty state when:
There is actually no data.
The user is the one who should take action.
Waiting will not solve the problem.
Clarity is better than false hope.
8. Accessibility does not disappear with emptiness.
Emptiness does not mean neglect.
Make sure to:
Readable contrast.
Clear focus order.
Understandable text (not just icons).
Support for screen readers.
An inaccessible empty state = a flawed experience.
A quick checklist before launch.
Ask yourself:
Does this message reassure the user?
Does it explain what is missing?
Does it suggest one clear step?
Does it feel truly human?
Would I feel comfortable seeing it?
If in doubt... rewrite it.
What I personally avoid.
“No data available.”
Messages that make the user feel guilty.
Too many meaningless buttons.
Overly elaborate graphics.
Silence.
Empty states deserve genuine intent.
In summary.
Empty states are mini-conversations.
Treat it as a space to build trust, not as a void to be filled.
When you design with empathy,
“nothing” transforms into the beginning of a relationship.
With Echo Media
If you are a UX/UI designer or a digital product owner,
review the empty states in your app now.
Does it reassure the user?
Or does it leave them alone in front of a silent screen?
At Echo Media | Echo Media for Digital Marketing, we help you to:
rewrite UX copy in a human language
improve empty states to increase engagement
turn drop-off points into trust points
📩 Contact us now and let every screen — even the empty ones — work in your favour.