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First Use Empty State

Use a first-use illustration when the user opens a feature for the first time and there is no data yet because no action has been taken.

Usage Guidance

When to Use: These illustrations are ideal for screens or workflows where the user is encountering a feature or tool for the first time, and no data is yet available because no actions have been taken. Example scenarios
  • A newly onboarded user views their job scheduling screen for the first time.
  • A user opens a reporting dashboard that hasn’t been configured or populated.
Sample copy
  • Header: “Ready to hit the road?”
  • Body: “Your shop is ready for action! Start by scheduling a job or adding your first task to see things come alive.”
Pair the illustration with a clear call-to-action such as “Add a Job” or “Create a Report”.

User Cleared Empty State

Display a user-cleared illustration when the user has completed a task or cleared every item from a workflow, so there is nothing left to show.

Usage Guidance

When to Use: These illustrations are ideal for screens or workflows where the user has completed a task or cleared every item from a workflow, so there is nothing left to show. Example scenarios
  • An inbox for customer inquiries has been cleared
  • A technician’s checklist for the day is complete
Sample copy
  • Header: “Nothing left on your plate!”
  • Body: “You’re all caught up. Time to enjoy a well-deserved coffee break.”
Use this illustration and copy as a light acknowledgment of the user’s progress so the empty screen feels rewarding.

Success State

Display a success illustration when the user completes a workflow or hits a significant milestone, especially after a complex or time-intensive task.

Usage Guidance

When to Use: Display this illustration when a user successfully completes a workflow or achieves a significant milestone, especially if the task was complex or time-intensive. Example scenarios
  • Successfully generating a large customer report
  • Completing setup for a new product feature
Sample copy
  • Header: “Toolbox triumph!”
  • Body: “You nailed it! Your task is complete, and your toolbox is ready for the next project.”
Keep the copy celebratory so it rewards the effort and reinforces a positive feeling about the feature.

Error State

Usage Guidance

When to Use: This illustration should appear when the user encounters an error that disrupts their workflow, such as a failed action or system issue. Example scenarios
  • An error occurs when submitting a customer invoice
  • A scheduling conflict prevents a job from being assigned
Sample copy
  • Header: “The truck hit a snag!”
  • Body: “Something’s not working quite right. Let’s get this fixed so you can get back on the road.”
Include an actionable next step such as Retry or a link to support so the user can recover quickly.

No Search Results State

Usage Guidance

When to Use: This illustration is appropriate when a user performs a search query that yields no results, signaling that they may need to refine their criteria. Example scenarios
  • Searching for a job or customer that does not exist
  • Filtering for inventory items that are not available
Sample copy
  • Header: “No bones found!”
  • Body: “Your search didn’t fetch any results. Try adjusting your filters or broadening your search terms.”
Pair the illustration with search tips or filter suggestions so the user can refine the query.

General Recommendations for All Empty States

  • Tone: Maintain a friendly, supportive tone in all copy. Playful language aligned with the illustration enhances user engagement and reduces frustration.
  • Actionable Steps: Always include a call-to-action or recovery path, especially for first-use and error states, to guide the user forward.

Empty state pattern guidance

Last modified on August 31, 2026