error-empty-states-basic

# Error Empty States Basic Use this skill when the task is to design 404 pages, empty states, error states, permission states, and offline states. Goal: produce a quick but usable draft page or interface that supports recovery, explanation, next actions, and tone. ## Variant intent - Use the lightweight draft version for quick prototypes, rough alternatives, or retrieval-quality comparisons. Keep it shippable, but accept simpler structure and fewer refinements. - Optimize for fast layout, obvious labels, a minimal section set, and a short checklist. - Prefer concrete UI decisions over generic advice. ## Default workflow 1. Define the primary user, task, and success action. 2. Map the minimum page structure needed for the scenario. 3. Establish hierarchy: what must be understood first, second, and third. 4. Design responsive behavior for mobile and desktop. 5. Add states: loading, empty, error, success, disabled, and permission where relevant. 6. Run the final checks before delivery. ## Design rules - Use clear section names and user-facing copy. - Make the primary action visually dominant and repeat it only when it helps. - Keep navigation and secondary actions subordinate to the main task. - Use spacing, typography, and alignment before adding decorative containers. - Do not hide critical information behind hover-only interactions. - Preserve keyboard access, readable contrast, and touch targets. ## Basic guidance - Start from a simple recognizable layout and keep the section count low. - It is acceptable to use conventional patterns if the page remains clear. - Add only the most important states and interactions. - Avoid over-polishing; this version is useful for quick drafts and baseline comparisons. - Mark any assumptions that a stronger version should revisit. ## Reject these failures - Ambiguous primary action - Important status or pricing hidden below the fold - Dense UI with no scan order - Decorative visuals that compete with the task - Missing mobile behavior ## Final checks - Can the target user understand the page purpose in under five seconds? - Is the next action clear without reading every paragraph? - Are edge states and responsive behavior accounted for?