Help people reach their first win
Guide a new user from curiosity to a useful result.
The idea
Onboarding succeeds when a user makes progress on their own goal. Every setup question, permission request, and tutorial step should earn its place by helping them do that.
Put it into practice
Define the first useful result. Work backward to the minimum inputs needed. Offer an example where it helps, postpone optional setup, and write a helpful recovery message for the most common obstacle.
Let a designer try sample feedback before creating a workspace. Ask for real project details when those details become useful, rather than forcing a long setup form first.
Use AI thoughtfully
Ask AI to critique each step for confusion and unnecessary effort. Test the revised flow with people; an AI critique cannot replace observing use.
Your checkpoint
How many steps separate a new visitor from a result they care about?
Write your answer to the checkpoint. Notes stay in this browser.