Of first impressions and not letting people slip through the cracks
Product onboarding — My two cents
Onboarding ranges from a ‘just get on with it’ or ‘don’t get on with it until we tell you you are ready’ attitude. This could be more relatable to orientation programs either as a new student, first time date,employee or anything in between that involves first experiences. Depending on how oriented/ onboarded you are will you be able to pick up and carry on your tasks with ease.
Example of onboarding in day to day case (these could be far fetched but all fill up to an onboarding experience):
- In a new employee setting it can be getting directions to the correct hallway to the washrooms
- A suggestion for a first time date (I kinda feel you can guess someones character from what they suggest as a first meeting activity/ spot) from a long time crush
- In digital products it’s basically the onboarding process. This is a pictorial followup on the article below
Here is my onboarding experience in these apps that I have used for the first time this year.
mySafaricom
A utility app that helps me manage my safaricom account.
Experience:
- Quick — In just one simple step, I was ready to go. The confirmation pin was sent as an SMS and on clicking login I was already in the app.
- Familiarity — We could say this was easy because I had prior knowledge of what to expect after having used their USSD option for years.
Evernote
A productivity app to help you stay organized.
Experience:
- Detailed — In 5 detailed steps, I was clear what the app is all about
- Lengthy — Though clear and precise, the five steps which have other sub steps not listed below were a bit lengthy to follow through
Audible
Audiobooks — Listening is the new reading
Experience:
- Informative — From the three steps, it’s clear what the app is about. Well thought out design in the onboarding screens
- Too much text on the onboarding screens. I prefer visuals to text.
Taxify
Maps and Navigation — Tap a button to get a ride
Experience:
- Quick — I could be biased to the apps that send codes as sms for login because I find them quick, in two steps I was ready to book a ride and was clear what the app was about.
- Not Clear — This contradicts the quick. I had challenges locating where to input the destination once I was already using the app. Maybe this (destination picking) could be added as an onboarding step for more clarity
Headspace
Guided meditation app
Experience:
- Clear and to the point — The use of imagery and few words. The three steps were quick and informative
- CTA button — The Create account button was prominent and inviting
I think these apps had a good first impression and that’s possibly the reason I am still using them.
Also could be because each of these apps were downloaded at a time of huge enthusiasm and excitement to try them out, and thus having the good onboarding was a plus.
