pattern-library checked

Carbon Design System Empty States Pattern

Distinguishes no-data, user-action, and error-management empty states, including no-results feedback after search and filter actions.

Open source

Pattern Decisions This Source Supports

Pattern Supported decision Required contract Claim note
Dead-end empty state Flag dead-end empty state when a blank area lacks a specific object name, cause, and reachable next action. A blank or actionless content region is not a valid terminal state. Carbon distinguishes no-data, user-action no-results, and error-management empty states, which helps diagnose dead-end blanks.
Empty state Choose empty state only after the system knows the area is legitimately empty rather than loading, filtered, or failed. The empty state identifies what is absent and why the absence is expected. Carbon distinguishes no-data, user-action no-results, and error-management empty states and describes matching the state to cause.
No-results recovery Choose no-results recovery whenever search or filters can produce an empty set. The UI must explain that no matches were found and identify the active constraints. Carbon distinguishes user-action empty states such as no search results from first-use empty states and system issue states.

Evidence Role

This source is treated as pattern-library evidence. Use it to validate the decision rules above, not as a visual style reference.

Publisher: IBM Carbon Design System. Last checked: .