The fix for an empty state isn't filling it

Description and use

Introducing progress indicators and clear actions for empty fields turns an empty state into a transparent process, improving user perception of the renovation cost tool.

Problem

Users feel the renovation cost tool is broken when it shows an empty price book, leading to a perception of a failed first run.

Outcome

The redesign turns an empty state from a perceived failure into a clear progress indicator, reducing user frustration and improving transparency without compromising data integrity.

Workflow

• Show progress such as "7 of 12 lines priced" instead of a wall of blanks.
• Label totals from priced lines as partial to avoid misinterpretation.
• Ask for the lines that move the total the most first.
• Next to each blank, display a reason and a clear action, e.g., "Unpriced: no quote yet. Request one from the package below."
• Record incoming contractor quotes directly into the price book with source and date.
• Indicate whether a quote can be reused on another project.
• List what each contractor’s quote includes and excludes next to the number.
• Perform sanity checks on room areas and dimensions before confirming outputs.

Evidence

Show progress, like "7 of 12 lines priced," instead of a wall of blanks.

Source

Next to every blank, say why it is blank and what to do next. Something like: "Unpriced: no quote yet. Request one from the package below."

Source

When a quote comes back, record it straight into the price book, with the source and the date attached.

Source

The UI should say clearly whether a quote can be reused on another project.

Source

Listing what each contractor's quote includes and excludes right next to the number.

Source

Check that room areas add up to the total, that dimensions fall in a plausible range, and flag "check this" when they don't.

Source