When designing a mobile app, there's nothing more crucial than creating a seamless and engaging first-time user experience (FTUE). The stakes are high - if your app fails to impress during this initial encounter, users may abandon it forever. In fact, 26% of users delete an app after just one use! To avoid this digital graveyard, you must prioritize crafting an FTUE that showcases the value proposition and sets the tone for a positive user journey.

Show Interact, Don't Tell

The path to conversion is often paved with short, snappy interactions. Users are eager to start exploring your app's features as soon as they open it. To capitalize on this enthusiasm, you should focus on letting users interact with your value proposition rather than forcing them through a lengthy introduction.

Take the Clear to-do app as an example. Initially, users are greeted with a 7-screen introductory walkthrough that's impossible to skip. This tedious experience can lead to frustration and ultimately, abandonment. In contrast, Clear's sample todo list provides a more engaging and contextual learning environment.

Weave: A Multi-Stepped Contextual FTUE

Weave is another todo app that takes a different approach to FTUE design. Users are taken through the flow of creating a task, with inline coach marks appearing one at a time to guide them. This experience is completed with a congratulatory panel, after which users can explore the app freely.

When designing your own FTUE, follow these guidelines for effective use of coach marks:

  • Make them modeless to avoid interfering with user behavior
  • Keep them concise and simple in phrasing and layout
  • Use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming users
  • Don't point out obvious actions or you risk talking down to your users

If You Can't Escape an Introductory Walkthrough

Sometimes, introductory walkthroughs are necessary due to new technologies or stakeholder requirements. In such cases, strive for a short, sweet, and interactive experience like The Eatery's food photo health rating app.

To create an effective walkthrough:

  • Limit content and communicate the number of steps involved
  • Avoid using transition animations to delay user progression
  • Make it available in help or settings for easy access
  • Provide an escape hatch (though be cautious about this)

Provide Free Samples

Don't force users to sign in or register before they can experience your app's value proposition. Instead, offer a taste of what you have to offer - just like Square does with its "Get Started" and "Sign In" button pair.

By prioritizing an engaging FTUE, you'll set the stage for a positive user journey, reduce customer support costs, and increase the likelihood of users returning and becoming loyal fans. Remember, the first time is the only chance to make a lasting impression!