Empty
No metrics in this range
Try a wider range or a different filter.
Microcopy
The words on the instrument. Calm, specific, short. Like a good operator next to you.
Registers: Instrument (spare), Guidance (one breath longer), Alert (shortest, lead with consequence). Full stance: Tone of voice. Mechanics: Writing.
Buttons
- One to three words.
- Start with a verb.
- Ellipsis only for choosers that open a next step (
Export…when a format must be chosen). Not on immediate actions. - Destructive names the object: Delete panel.
- Never OK. Never Click here. Never Submit when a specific verb exists.
Empty
Empty is a valid state with no rows — not a dead end called “no data.”
- Name the missing thing.
- One sentence why.
- One action.
Example: No metrics in this range. Try a wider range or a different filter. [Adjust range]
Error
What happened, why if you know, what they can do.
- Retry only if retry works.
- Never “Oops.” Never “Something went wrong” as the only line.
- Lead with consequence in Alert register.
Example: Couldn't refresh metrics. The feed did not respond. [Retry]
Loading
- Nothing under ~300ms. Do not flash a spinner for a fast refresh.
- Then a specific line: Refreshing metrics, not Loading…
- Skeletons when the layout is known. Spinners when it is not.
Toast
One line, outcome. Not a paragraph. Not a stack of toasts for spark ticks.
- Success: CSV exported.
- Failure: Couldn't export CSV. Retry.
Tooltip
The extra, not the label. If the control needs the tooltip to be understood, the visible label is wrong.
Confirm
State the consequence. The primary action is the verb that does the thing, never OK.
Delete this panel? Metrics on this canvas will not include it. [Delete panel] [Keep panel]
Insight
A claim with a number. Not labelled “AI summary.”
Errors up 18% vs last range.
Placeholder
An example, not an instruction. The label already instructed.
- Query placeholder:
status:5xx region:eu-west - Not:
Enter a query
Badges
Count badges: 9, 99, 99+. Do not show 132 in a badge; cap at 99+.
Status badges use the word (Live, Stale, Empty, Error) plus color — never color alone.
Do / Don't
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Couldn't refresh metrics. Retry. | Oops! Something went wrong. |
| Errors up 18% vs last range | Things are looking off. |
| Delete panel | OK |
| Export CSV | Click here to download your data |
Live examples
Real instrument states in Ether voice. Not screenshots.
Error
Couldn't refresh metrics.
The feed did not respond.