Empty State Design - Preply App

Chosen Platform

I chose Preply, a platform that acts as an intermediary between users who want to learn a new language and teachers willing to teach it at more affordable prices. Initially, users go through an onboarding questionnaire to filter their options based on the language they want to learn, whether they prefer a native speaker, their budget per hour, and more.

I found that the brand's style deviates slightly from the conventional, especially with its use of bold pink as the primary color. This color evokes positive emotions, calmness, and creativity. Combined with simple illustrations, it makes the process motivating and exciting.

Objective

I did my best to strictly follow the brand's well-established guidelines, reflected in the icons, buttons, and typography. I created visual elements and playful, almost childlike, illustrations with bold lines and vibrant colors that align as closely as possible with the illustrations used in the onboarding process. In all screens I decided to use only a CTA "Find a tutor" because I believe that’s the main purpose of the app, and all subsequent actions are based on that primary one.

Screen 1 - Homepage (Left)

• After completing the initial onboarding, we arrive at the dashboard, which is currently just a page where the user can search for a tutor. Through research, I discovered that most direct competitors include a homepage that provides users with an overview of their accomplishments within the app. To address this, I decided to create a homepage icon to help users get started. For the illustration, I was inspired by one of the illustrations from the onboarding: an arrow that hits the target. In this case, my goal was to create an arrow that misses the target, conveying the idea of “failing the objective”, which, in this case, is not searching for a tutor to learn a new language. The accompanying copy presents users with a question, encouraging them to reflect on their goals and take action toward achieving them.

Screen 2 - Search page (Middle)

• In the application, the search page displays a list of tutors based on the filters selected during onboarding. It also allows users to further refine those filters.
As the app's main goal is to help users find their perfect tutor, I decided to focus on the imagery of a disheartened tutor who has yet to be 'discovered.' The copy uses an assertive affirmation, conveying hope that there is a tutor available who meets all the user's requirements and that the search will be straightforward.

Screen 3 - Schedule page (Right)

• On the Scheduling screen, I used a bold question to encourage users to take action toward finding a tutor. The illustration of a calendar with a pin and a clock icon highlights the page's purpose: viewing scheduled lessons and booking new ones. The focus of this empty state is to create a sense of progress and possibility, motivating users to schedule their first lesson or continue their learning journey. The subtitle reinforces the idea that achieving goals is within reach, aligning with Preply's mission to provide a supportive and goal-driven experience.