Development of Empty State Illustrations for foundU
Overview
As the Visual Design Manager at foundU, I created a suite of empty state illustrations to improve UX during moments with no data. The goal was to reduce confusion, guide user action, and bring warmth and personality to otherwise blank screens, all while staying true to the foundU brand.
Approach
Playful, relatable visuals
Used whimsical, oversized workplace objects (mugs, stationery, filing cabinets) to add charm and reduce user frustration.
Clarity first
Kept illustrations clean and minimal so users immediately understood why the space was empty and what to do next.
Brand-aligned design
Applied foundU’s shapes, line weights, and colour palette for a cohesive look across the platform.
Thoughtful composition
Designed each illustration to fit naturally within UI constraints, balancing white space and avoiding visual noise.
Impact
The illustrations turned empty screens into purposeful, friendly moments that guide users instead of leaving them stuck. They improved clarity, reduced friction, and reinforced foundU’s approachable brand personality, creating a small but meaningful lift in user confidence and overall platform experience.
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