Empty State Text

As a part of any design, it’s always helpful to consider the empty state of a feature or component (what the space would look like before a user takes any action at all), and what information a user needs in the context of the empty state.

  • If the user can take an action from the empty state, tell them what they can do.
  • Always lean towards a more positive tone. Emphasize what users haven’t done yet, not what they don’t have.

Elements of an Empty State

Empty states may include any combination of the following elements: a title, body text, and a CTA button. See the Empty States article for more design guidance.

Titles and Body Text

  • Write titles in title case, with no period at the end.
  • Write body text in sentence case, and do use a period at the end of the sentence.
Do
  • Start Searching Now
  • Find people, articles, or tasks and reports.
Don’t
  • Start searching now.
  • Find people, articles, or tasks & reports.

Call to Action Buttons

If possible, include a call to action button that takes users somewhere relevant to the context of the empty state.

  • Write button text that is engaging and that tells the user what they can do.
  • Write in title case, and don't use a period at the end.
  • Follow all other button text guidelines.
Do
  • Customize
  • Add Expenses

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