07.2 · Capability in Activation

Onboarding design

Guiding new users to set up the product and learn it, at the moment they need it.

Map4 skills

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4 skillsClick a hexagon to set your status

07.2.1Guided setupWalking users through the configuration the product needs to work.
07.2.2Progressive onboardingTeaching features gradually as users reach them.
07.2.3Contextual guidanceTips and hints that appear where and when they help.
07.2.4Tutorials and walkthroughsStructured guidance through a first task or the main features.

Mark all 4

Where to start

3 resources

articleStart here
Onboarding tutorials vs. contextual help ↗
NN/g · 2023 · 9 min
Research showing upfront tutorials rarely help, and why help at the moment of need works better.
articleStart here
User onboarding teardowns ↗
Samuel Hulick · collection
Screen-by-screen critiques of how well-known products greet new users, with lessons you can apply.
articleGo deeper
Mobile-app onboarding: an analysis of components and techniques ↗
NN/g · 2020 · 13 min
The parts of an onboarding flow, from feature promotion to customization, and when each one earns its place.

1 tools

ToolPaid
Appcues
appcues.com ↗
No-code onboarding flows, checklists and in-app announcements.