How Top Apps Use Emotional Design to Delight Users: 6 Inspiring Case Studies

Emotional UI Design Case Studies

1. Taco Bell – Creative Empty‑State Design

Taco Bell's app combines an anthropomorphic taco character with empty‑state screens, using lively animations to tell a short story that eases user anxiety when there is no network.

Key points:

Integrates brand identity into the empty state, reinforcing brand recall.

Animated taco runs, falls, and spills its filling, paired with a playful "Uh‑oh" caption to provide emotional comfort.

2. Swiggy – Engaging Tipping Animation

Swiggy encourages users to tip delivery riders with a two‑stage animation that first empathizes with the rider’s effort and then celebrates the tip.

Stage 1: Four scenes show a high‑rise address, the rider climbing stairs, wiping sweat, and continuing delivery despite weather.

Stage 2: After tipping, the rider rides in with raised hands, confetti, and a joyful expression, reinforcing positive interaction.

3. Zomato – Emotional Feedback Pages

Zomato uses tailored emotional screens to soothe users in negative scenarios.

When an address is out of delivery range, a carefully designed animation and the copy "Wish you were CLOSER" reduces disappointment.

If a restaurant is closed, a tomato mascot shows a sad expression with a clear "closed" sign, instantly communicating the status.

4. Cubox – Warm Annual Reading Summary

Cubox visualizes a user's yearly reading data (quantity, time, source) to create a sense of achievement and strengthen emotional ties with the platform.

Data visualization turns reading stats into an intuitive visual experience, giving users a strong sense of accomplishment.

The warm design conveys the "temperature" of reading, deepening the emotional connection between user and Cubox.

5. Signal – Playful Illustrations for Social Features

Signal adds witty illustrations to the "Invite Friends" and "Appear" functions, drawing inspiration from famous artworks and everyday humor.

Left illustration mimics Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" to symbolize acceptance and friendship.

Right illustration shows a boy being pushed forward to catch a girl's attention, encouraging users to step out and make new connections.

6. Gojek – Human‑Centred App Experience

Gojek uses illustrations and empathetic copy to highlight the effort behind each order, building trust and a sense of humanity.

Illustrations feature staff members at work, showing dedication and positivity.

When a route is unavailable, a friendly message promises to accompany users once the service reaches that area, easing negative emotions.

The design insights above are shared by the ZhiXing UED team, aiming to inspire future product designs with emotionally resonant UI patterns.