Content
Empty states can display a wide variety of content. For example, they can include a list without list items, or a search that returns no results. Although these states aren’t typical, they should be designed to prevent confusion.
Alternatives
Starter content
To help users new to an app or section, screens which would otherwise be empty can be populated with starter content. Starter content allows users to begin using an app right away, making it easier for them to learn about what an app has to offer.
Recommendations:
- Starter content is best for apps that store content (such as books or music), or create templated content (such as notes or documents).
- Use content that has broad appeal and demonstrates primary features.
- Give users the ability to delete and replace starter content.
- If possible, provide content that's personalized.
Educational content
If the purpose of the screen isn't easily conveyed through an image and tagline, consider showing educational content instead. Educational content helps users understand what an app will be able to do once it has content.
Recommendations:
- Make it possible to dismiss or skip this content.
- Keep it brief.
- Keep content contextual to the screen. This should not be a place to onboard the user to the entire app.
Best Match
If nothing exactly matches a user's query, content that contains the best match to the query can be displayed, by returning results for a query spelled slightly differently. By showing these results, the user may find what they're looking for.