# Design empty states that help people get started

Gives you content and layout guidance for every empty state in a feature: first use, no results, cleared, and no permission.

- Topic: Product & UX Design
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Design, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/design-empty-states-that-help-people-get-started

## Prompt

```text
Help me design the empty states for a feature in my product.

**Feature:** [WHAT IT IS - e.g. "project dashboard", "saved searches"]
**What the full state shows:** [WHAT USERS SEE ONCE THERE IS DATA]
**The most valuable first action:** [WHAT WE WANT A NEW USER TO DO]
**User types who will see it:** [e.g. new admin, invited member with view-only access]
**Brand voice and illustration style:** [e.g. "plain, light illustrations allowed" or "no illustrations"]

Cover each type separately, since they need different responses:
1. First use (nothing created yet)
2. No results (search or filters returned nothing)
3. User cleared it (inbox zero, all tasks done)
4. No access (permissions) or not set up by an admin
5. Error or failed load (so it is not mistaken for "empty")

For each, give: headline, one-line body, primary action (verb-first label), optional secondary action, whether to show sample data or a template, and a layout note (what replaces the table, list, or chart). Keep headlines under 8 words.

Rules: an empty state should explain value and offer one clear next step, not just say "No data". For no-results, show the active filters and a way to clear them. Avoid cute copy where the user may be frustrated. Flag if any state is really a missing feature in disguise.
```

## What to fill in

- WHAT IT IS - e.g. "project dashboard", "saved searches"
- WHAT USERS SEE ONCE THERE IS DATA
- WHAT WE WANT A NEW USER TO DO
- e.g. new admin, invited member with view-only access

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.