What Are SAP UI5 Illustrations?
SAP UI5 illustrations are visual elements that complement written messages in the user interface. Theyâre not just decorativeâtheyâre purposeful, designed to:
Simplify complex conceptsCreate emotional connectionGuide users through unfamiliar workflowsAdd personality to otherwise sterile enterprise screens
These illustrations are typically paired with messages in empty states, onboarding flows, error pages, or help dialogs. Think of them as visual metaphors that make abstract ideas more relatable.
Why Are They Necessary?
Hereâs why illustrations are more than just eye candy in SAP UI5:
1. Improved Comprehension
Visuals help users grasp concepts faster than text alone. For example, an illustration of a magnifying glass next to a âNo results foundâ message instantly conveys the idea of search failure.
2. Emotional Engagement
Enterprise apps can feel impersonal. Illustrations add warmth and friendliness, making users feel more comfortable and confidentâeven when something goes wrong.
3. Consistency Across SAP Fiori Design
SAP UI5 illustrations follow the SAP Fiori Guidelines ensuring a consistent look and feel across apps. This consistency builds trust and reduces cognitive load.
4. Accessibility and Inclusivity
Illustrations can support users with different language proficiencies or cognitive styles. When paired with clear text, they make the interface more inclusive.
5. Guided User Journeys
In onboarding or help flows, illustrations act as visual signposts. They guide users step-by-step, reducing friction and improving adoption.
Common Misuses to Avoid
SAPâs guidelines emphasize that illustrations should never:
Be used purely for decorationObstruct the userâs pathReplace essential information
They should always support the message, not distract from it.
ď¸How to Use Them in SAP UI5
SAP UI5 provides a set of predefined illustrations via the sap.f library. Developers can easily integrate them using controls like IllustratedMessage, which combines an image, title, and description in a clean layout.
Example usage:
<sap.f.IllustratedMessage
illustrationType=”sapIllus-NoData”
title=”No Data Available”
description=”Try adjusting your filters or check back later.” />
UI5 API Reference for Illustration
https://ui5.sap.com/#/api/sap.m.IllustrationÂ
Illustration Samples
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â What Are SAP UI5 Illustrations?SAP UI5 illustrations are visual elements that complement written messages in the user interface. Theyâre not just decorativeâtheyâre purposeful, designed to:Simplify complex conceptsCreate emotional connectionGuide users through unfamiliar workflowsAdd personality to otherwise sterile enterprise screensThese illustrations are typically paired with messages in empty states, onboarding flows, error pages, or help dialogs. Think of them as visual metaphors that make abstract ideas more relatable.Why Are They Necessary?Hereâs why illustrations are more than just eye candy in SAP UI5:1. Improved ComprehensionVisuals help users grasp concepts faster than text alone. For example, an illustration of a magnifying glass next to a âNo results foundâ message instantly conveys the idea of search failure.2. Emotional EngagementEnterprise apps can feel impersonal. Illustrations add warmth and friendliness, making users feel more comfortable and confidentâeven when something goes wrong.3. Consistency Across SAP Fiori DesignSAP UI5 illustrations follow the SAP Fiori Guidelines ensuring a consistent look and feel across apps. This consistency builds trust and reduces cognitive load.4. Accessibility and InclusivityIllustrations can support users with different language proficiencies or cognitive styles. When paired with clear text, they make the interface more inclusive.5. Guided User JourneysIn onboarding or help flows, illustrations act as visual signposts. They guide users step-by-step, reducing friction and improving adoption.Common Misuses to AvoidSAPâs guidelines emphasize that illustrations should never:Be used purely for decorationObstruct the userâs pathReplace essential informationThey should always support the message, not distract from it.ď¸How to Use Them in SAP UI5SAP UI5 provides a set of predefined illustrations via the sap.f library. Developers can easily integrate them using controls like IllustratedMessage, which combines an image, title, and description in a clean layout.Example usage:<sap.f.IllustratedMessage
illustrationType=”sapIllus-NoData”
title=”No Data Available”
description=”Try adjusting your filters or check back later.” />UI5 API Reference for Illustrationhttps://ui5.sap.com/#/api/sap.m.Illustration Illustration Sampleshttps://ui5.sap.com/#/entity/sap.m.IllustratedMessage/sample/sap.m.sample.IllustratedMessageInPageTNT    Read More Technology Blog Posts by SAP articlesÂ
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