As a UX enthusiast, I'm excited to dive into the world of mobile app user experience and share three inspiring examples of onboarding flows that truly set the bar high. In this article, we'll explore how these apps have successfully onboarded users from diverse backgrounds, including first-time smartphone users, rural folk, non-English speaking users, senior citizens, working-class individuals, and those with disabilities.
What is User Onboarding for Mobile Apps?
User onboarding is the process of introducing new users to your mobile app's features and offerings. A well-designed onboarding flow helps users quickly find value in your product and become activated. Activation is an essential milestone that marks the end of the onboarding process, making users more likely to stick with your app.
Understanding Activation Points
An activation point is a specific activity or action within your app that makes users more engaged and committed. A great onboarding flow should guide users toward this critical moment, ensuring they understand how to use your app effectively.
The Ah-Ha! Moment
When users download your app, they do so with a specific need or expectation in mind. The Ah-Ha! moment occurs when the user realizes the true value of your app for the first time. This pivotal moment is crucial in establishing a strong connection between the user and your product.
Best Onboarding Walkthroughs: Designing Exceptional User Experience
Now, let's explore three innovative onboarding flows that showcase exceptional mobile app user experience:
1. Dream11 - Product-Led Onboarding Done Right
Dream11, India's leading fantasy sports app, has designed a seamless onboarding flow that checks all the right boxes for user onboarding. The app's focus is on helping users create their own teams and select matches, which serves as the activation point.
By providing micro-guidance throughout the process, Dream11 educates users about each feature and its usage. This thoughtful approach helps new users quickly find value in the app and become activated.
Onboarding Tip: Understand what your users need to do to be activated, and guide them through simple, easy-to-understand nudges to help them achieve those activities.
2. Google Search - The "Zero Onboarding" App
Google Search is an exemplary case of onboarding done right – or rather, not done at all! The app's simplicity and minimalism make it incredibly user-friendly, with a single-textbox search interface that requires no guidance or explanation.
The absence of onboarding allows users to dive straight into searching, making it easy for them to find what they're looking for. This approach has also helped Google Search become accessible to non-English speaking users, visually impaired individuals, and those with disabilities.
Onboarding Tip: Sometimes, less is more. A simple UI can be incredibly powerful when backed by a strong product that requires minimal user input.
3. Hotstar - Onboarding for Free; Pay Only for Premium Content
Hotstar has successfully onboarded millions of users in India by offering a free experience with optional premium content. The app's onboarding flow is designed to educate new users about its features and offerings, making it easy for them to find value in the platform.
By providing a seamless transition from the free to paid experience, Hotstar has managed to convert many users into loyal customers. This approach has helped the app become a go-to destination for entertainment in India.
Onboarding Tip: Onboard your users for free, and let them discover the value of your premium content. This approach can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates.
By studying these innovative onboarding flows, we can learn valuable lessons about crafting exceptional mobile app user experiences that delight users from all walks of life. Remember, a great onboarding flow is crucial in setting the stage for a successful product.