Onboarding Optimization

Practical thinking for better product onboarding

Start · Reading path

Plan and prepare the first session

A reading path from understanding a new customer’s task to asking for the information needed to begin.

  1. Start with observation

    Watch a first-time user attempt a realistic task before deciding what your onboarding should explain.

    How to test product onboarding with first-time users Explore measurement & research

  2. Define the useful outcome

    Use that task to name a meaningful first result and the time window in which it should happen.

    How to define activation and measure time to first value Explore measurement & research

  3. Ask only what helps now

    Separate information needed for access or a first task from questions that can wait.

    Signup form questions: what to ask now and what to defer Explore signup & account setup

  4. Surface the prerequisites

    Explain required access, inputs or assistance before someone invests in a setup they cannot finish.

    Check onboarding prerequisites before users invest in setup Explore signup & account setup