How to design a proper welcome flow

Introducing Yeti version 1.9

We’re very happy to announce the launch of Yeti version 1.9! The biggest update in this version won’t be seen by most existing users, but it’s huge for new users.

New Welcome Flow, Done Right

After seeing growth in more than 3,500 cities and 250,000+ swipes in just over 5 weeks, we realized Yeti needed a better welcome flow. Some of the design considerations we brainstormed included:

• It needs to feel organic, a natural extension of the app (in other words, no popups and arrows, integrate it into the UI).
• It needs to take less than 15 seconds. Even that is pushing it. Make it quick.
• It needs to invoke an emotional response. Make the user smile.
• It needs to clarify what the purpose of the app does. Spell it out concisely.
• The very act of using it should teach you how the app works.

This Is What It Looks Like:

The first thing a user sees when they open Yeti

A few things to note about this welcome process:

• A user swipes through the tutorial screens. This is the same way the app works. In fact, it seamlessly transitions into using the app:

Notice the transition from the welcome flow to the app. You probably don’t notice the transition, it’s that smooth.

• When you swipe right, the card goes into the square in the bottom right corner. This teaches the user the cards they like are stored down there.
• The welcome cards have little text, explaining one concept at a time in a very quick to digest way.
• The other features of the app greyed out on the screen. This gives the user a sense of what to expect when they finish. Too many apps have a welcome flow separate from the app experience, leaving the user uncertain as to what they’re about to jump into.
• Yeti is photo-centric and we want to lead by example. As such, the welcome cards each feature a beautiful photograph, setting the tone for what to expect and what to post in the app. Again, we believe a welcome process should show the user how the app works rather than tell. These cards serve as examples of what to expect in the app.

Consistent Design Philosophy

The design philosophy in Yeti is clean, minimal, playful, and inviting. We want to make a user smile, keep them engaged, and remove any barrier between the app and their goals. We’ve tried to make this welcome flow consistent with our design philosophy. Can it get better? Of course, but it’s a great start to welcome new users to the Yeti community.

If you haven’t already, check out the welcome flow in the new update at http://itunes.apple.com/app/id882096384

— The Yeti Team