ELI5: empty states and hero images

What is an empty state?

An empty state is what you see on a screen when there's nothing to show yet, like when you open a new app and haven't added anything to it [1][3]. It's like opening an empty notebook before you start writing.

Why do designers use hero images?

Designers put big, pretty pictures (called hero images) in empty states to make them look interesting and explain what the app does [1][3]. Instead of just showing a blank screen, they show you an illustration that helps you understand how to use it.

What should an empty state show?

A good empty state should have a nice image, helpful text explaining what the screen is for, and a button telling you what to do next [1][3]. It's like a welcome sign that shows you around.

Why does it matter?

Empty states help new users understand what to do and make apps feel friendly instead of broken [1][3]. A boring blank screen makes people think something is wrong, but a well-designed empty state makes them excited to start using the app.