Zero state is when something is not filled in. The zero state needs to be designed to help the user to fill it in – leaving it completely empty makes the user feel confused and leads to drop off.

Reasons for zero state:

• First time the user uses the product: guide how to add material
• User has cleared the stage, i.e. inbox zero, reward the user if this is the desired state
• Errors, the material has failed to load in: show that there is an error and how it can be corrected