From cf42b50e5f5c0da9338311930c4fee977e6d5802 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "google-labs-jules[bot]"
 <161369871+google-labs-jules[bot]@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 21 May 2026 12:49:48 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] feat(ux): implement explicit empty state for high score

Add an encouraging placeholder text when the user has not yet set a high score (`highscore == 0`) instead of hiding the UI element completely, clarifying system state for new users. Also records this UX learning in `.Jules/palette.md`.

Co-authored-by: EiJackGH <172181576+EiJackGH@users.noreply.github.com>
---
 .Jules/palette.md | 4 ++++
 src/main.cpp      | 2 ++
 2 files changed, 6 insertions(+)

diff --git a/.Jules/palette.md b/.Jules/palette.md
index 853ef9c..42f732d 100644
--- a/.Jules/palette.md
+++ b/.Jules/palette.md
@@ -29,3 +29,7 @@
 ## 2025-01-24 - Real-time Achievement Feedback in CLI
 **Learning:** In terminal-based games, displaying achievement progress (like a live high score) in real-time provides immediate tactile reward and engagement. Furthermore, inclusive UX means ensuring first-time players also receive "New Best" feedback, even when their initial record is zero.
 **Action:** Update session-high-score variables immediately upon record-breaking and display them in the live HUD. Ensure achievement conditions (`score > highscore`) don't exclude the first-time user experience.
+
+## 2026-05-24 - Explicit Empty States for Onboarding
+**Learning:** In terminal applications, providing explicit, encouraging empty states for data or achievements (like a high score) rather than hiding the UI element when empty clarifies system state and improves user onboarding.
+**Action:** Always display placeholder text or calls to action when data is absent to guide new users.
diff --git a/src/main.cpp b/src/main.cpp
index af692c8..26b12aa 100644
--- a/src/main.cpp
+++ b/src/main.cpp
@@ -78,6 +78,8 @@ int main() {
 
     if (highscore > 0) {
         std::cout << " Personal Best: " << CLR_SCORE << highscore << CLR_RESET << "\n\n";
+    } else {
+        std::cout << " Personal Best: " << CLR_SCORE << "None yet! Go set a record!" << CLR_RESET << "\n\n";
     }
 
     std::cout << "Controls:\n " << CLR_CTRL << "[h]" << CLR_RESET << " Toggle Hard Mode (10x Speed!)\n "