Satori Reader-Dark & Light Mode Empty State Pages

This project does a great job exploring how empty states can feel both functional and delightful across light and dark modes.

The visuals are calming and well-suited to a reading app, and the consistency between themes shows strong attention to detail.

To take it further, you could strengthen accessibility by double-checking contrast ratios, and make empty states more engaging with personalized or contextual suggestions instead of static messages.

Overall, it’s a polished and modern showcase that highlights good awareness of user comfort and aesthetics.

This is solid work for your first UX project!

However, you need to pick one navigation pattern and commit to it. Right now you have both a top navigation bar and a right sidebar, which creates confusion about where users should look for different actions.

For a reading-focused app, I'd actually recommend going with top navigation.

Here's why: when people are reading, they want the content to have maximum space and minimal distractions on the sides. Look at successful reading platforms like Medium, Kindle, or even Duolingo, they use clean top navigation to keep the reading experience uncluttered.

Do some competitive analysis. Check out how Kindle, Apple Books, or other reading apps handle navigation. Ask yourself why those patterns work for millions of users. What makes them successful?

Your empty state messaging has great personality and the illustrations are charming. The call-to-action button is well executed too.

But those icons on the right sidebar aren't immediately recognizable. If you stick with any sidebar approach, pair those icons with clear text labels. Better yet, test it with people who've never seen the app before. Can they figure out what each icon does without explanation?

You've got strong instincts for your first project. Pick one navigation approach, study what successful reading apps do, and this will feel much more intuitive to use.