First impressions are crucial, with 94% of them being design-related and 75% of website credibility coming from the design. Onboarding screens are the first handshake between a user and a digital platform, setting the stage for everything that follows. With Nudge, users can enjoy a customized onboarding checklist and walkthroughs that guides them through each step effortlessly.

Instagram is considered one of the best examples of onboarding screens due to its smooth and user-friendly process. It effectively introduces users to the social media environment, encouraging them to follow interesting profiles and share their first post. 

This seamless onboarding feature keeps users engaged, demonstrates the platform's value, and significantly increases their likelihood to stay and interact, making Instagram's onboarding process highly impactful for user retention. Now, let's look deeper into the art of crafting effective onboarding screens and explore how they can transform a user's initial curiosity into a lasting engagement.

What are Onboarding Screens?

Onboarding screens are the first things users see when they start using an app or website. They help users understand what the app does and how to use it. With Nudge's interactive onboarding tours and tooltips, users get real-time guidance on key features

Shep Hyken, a business expert, once said, "A customer’s experience with you should start on the right foot. If not, you may never have another chance to create a good impression." This shows how important a good start is for customer satisfaction.

In the context of onboarding screens, incorporating nudges can significantly enhance user understanding and engagement. Nudge gently guides users through key features, ensuring a seamless and positive initial experience.

Onboarding Screen Vs Onboarding Flows

Onboarding screens and onboarding flows serve to acquaint new users with an app, but they approach it in different ways. Here’s a comparison between them:

Example of an Onboarding Screen

In Instagram, the onboarding screen is the first thing new users see. It’s a simple display with options to log in or sign up, set against a backdrop of appealing photos that reflect the social and visual nature of the app.

Example of an Onboarding Flow

Trello uses an onboarding flow that actively involves the user. After signing up, users are taken through a process where they create a board, add a card, and are shown how to invite collaborators, all through interactive prompts that demonstrate the app’s use in real time.

Types and Examples of Onboarding Screen

Onboarding screens come in various types, each designed to serve different purposes and enhance the user experience in specific ways. Here are some common types and their definitions, best-fit scenarios, and examples:

1. Welcome Screen

A simple screen that welcomes new users and provides an introduction to the app. 

Best Fit For: Any app looking to make a positive first impression. 

Example: Pinterest greets new users with an inspiring welcome screen that encourages them to "Discover ideas" for every interest and project. The screen reflects Pinterest's visual nature, enticing users to explore a world of creativity and inspiration.

2. Feature Highlights Screen

Screens that highlight key features and benefits of the app. 

Best Fit For: Apps with unique or complex features that need explanation. 

Example: LinkedIn's onboarding screens highlight its features for networking, job searching, and professional growth. It emphasizes how users can build their professional brand and connect with industry professionals.

3. Tutorial Screen

Screens that offer step-by-step instructions on how to use the app. 

Best Fit For: Apps with intricate functionality that require guidance. 

Example: Duolingo’s tutorial screens guide users on how to start their first language lesson, showing where to click and what to do.

4. Permission Request Screen

Screens that ask for user permission to access certain features like location, notifications, or contacts. 

Best Fit For: Apps that need to access specific user data or device features to function properly. 

Example: Google Maps uses permission request screens to ask for location access to provide accurate directions.

5. Sign-up/Login Screen

The initial screen prompting users to sign up or log in. 

Best Fit For: Apps that require user accounts for personalized experiences.
Example: Instagram’s sign-up/login screen is straightforward, allowing users to create an account or log in with existing credentials.

6. Customization Screen

Screens that allow users to customize their preferences and settings. 

Best Fit For: Apps that benefit from personalized user experiences right from the start. Example: Pinterest’s customization screen asks users about their interests to tailor the content feed.

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Best Practices for Designing Onboarding Screens

Creating effective onboarding screens is crucial for making a great first impression and ensuring users understand and engage with your app. Here are some key best practices, along with examples and checklists to guide you:

1. Simplicity is Key

"The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate." 

— Joseph Priestley, English chemist and natural philosopher

• Keep messaging clear and concise. Users should understand the app’s purpose and how to get started without feeling overwhelmed.
• Checklist:
  • Use minimal text.
  • Focus on one key message per screen.
  • Avoid technical jargon.
• Example:
  • Instagram: Uses minimal text and appealing visuals to prompt users to sign up or log in.

2. Visual Appeal

• Use engaging visuals to communicate concepts quickly and effectively. High-quality images and icons can enhance the user experience.
• Checklist:
  • Include high-resolution images.
  • Use icons to represent actions or features.
  • Ensure a consistent visual style.
• Example:
  • Airbnb: Uses beautiful images of accommodations and icons to illustrate the booking process.

3. Highlight Core Features

• Showcase the essential features and benefits of your app early on with Nudge’s spotlight feature. Users need to see the value your app offers right away.
• Checklist:
  • Highlight 3-5 key features.
  • Use bullet points or icons to emphasize benefits.
  • Include brief, engaging descriptions.
• Example:
  • Spotify: Highlights personalized playlists and the music library to show users what they can explore.

4. Interactive Elements

• Make the onboarding process interactive. Tooltips, guided tours, and clickable buttons can help users learn by doing. Nudge’s guided tours can help users learn by doing, enhancing their experience.
• Checklist:
  • Include interactive elements like buttons or sliders.
  • Use tooltips to guide users through features.
  • Provide hands-on experience.
• Example:
  • Trello: Uses an interactive tour to show users how to create boards, add cards, and collaborate.

5. Personalization

• Tailor the onboarding experience to individual users. Ask for preferences or interests to customize the content they see.
• Checklist:
  • Ask users about their interests or goals.
  • Customize the experience based on user input.
  • Provide personalized content or recommendations.
• Example:
  • Netflix: Asks users to select their favorite genres and shows to personalize content recommendations.

6. Permission Requests

• Request necessary permissions at appropriate times, and clearly explain why they are needed.
• Checklist:
  • Request permissions contextually (when they are needed).
  • Clearly explain the reason for each permission.
  • Reassure users about privacy concerns.
• Example:
  • Google Maps: Asks for location access to provide accurate directions, explaining the benefits of granting this permission.

7. Clear Navigation and Progress Indicators

• Users should always know where they are in the onboarding process. Use progress bars or step indicators to show their current position and remaining steps.
• Checklist:
  • Include a progress bar or step indicator.
  • Show the number of steps or stages remaining.
  • Ensure each step is clearly defined and easy to follow.
• Example:
  • LinkedIn: Uses a progress bar to guide users through setting up their profile, showing how far they’ve come and what’s left to complete.

8. Option to Skip

• Provide an option to skip the onboarding process. Some users prefer to explore the app on their own.
• Checklist:
  • Include a visible “Skip” button.
  • Ensure the skip option is available at all stages.
  • Make it easy to return to the onboarding flow if needed.
• Example:
  • Twitter (now known as X): Offers a “Skip for now” button, allowing users to bypass onboarding screens and start using the app immediately.

9. Continuous Improvement

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence." 

- Vince Lombardi, American football coach

• Regularly test your onboarding flow with real users, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments.
• Checklist:
  • Conduct user testing sessions.
  • Collect and analyze user feedback.
  • Implement improvements based on insights.
• Example:
  • Facebook: Frequently updates its onboarding process based on user feedback and testing to improve engagement and satisfaction.

By following these best practices and using the provided checklists, you can create onboarding screens that effectively engage users, showcase the value of your app, and provide a smooth and enjoyable start to their journey.

Popular Mobile and Web Apps with Effective Onboarding Screens

Calm:

Calm sets the tone for a serene experience right from its onboarding. The app uses calming visuals and soothing sounds to create a tranquil atmosphere. The onboarding screens are minimalistic and easy to navigate, guiding users through the app's core features without overwhelming them. 

Nudge can incorporate this approach by using aesthetically pleasing designs and guided tutorials that ease users into the app, making them feel relaxed and welcomed.

Bumble:

Bumble prioritizes ease of use in its onboarding by asking only essential questions about the user's preferences and allowing quick sign-up options, such as logging in with Facebook. This streamlined process ensures users can start exploring profiles almost immediately. 

For Nudge, this means creating an onboarding flow that minimizes friction, perhaps by offering social media integration and reducing the number of initial steps required to get started.

Dropbox:

Dropbox keeps its onboarding straightforward and educational. Users are guided through account creation and basic setup, followed by a short tutorial that highlights key features. This ensures users can quickly understand how to utilize the app effectively. 

Nudge can leverage this by designing clear, step-by-step tutorials and using tooltips or guided tours to help users navigate through the app's functionalities, ensuring they gain immediate value from the product.

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How Nudge Can Enhance Onboarding

Nudge focuses on creating personalized onboarding experiences that help users get started with new apps easily and effectively. Here’s how Nudge can use the best practices from these popular apps:

• Fun and Engaging: Like Duolingo, Nudge can add game-like elements to the onboarding process, such as setting goals and earning rewards, to keep users motivated and engaged.
• Calm and Welcoming: Inspired by Calm, Nudge can use calming visuals and simple guides to create a welcoming experience that helps users feel relaxed and ready to explore the app.
• Quick and Easy: Following Bumble’s example, Nudge can simplify the sign-up process by reducing the number of steps and offering social media login options, making it easy for users to get started.
• Clear and Helpful: Taking a cue from Dropbox, Nudge can provide clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure users understand how to use the app effectively from the beginning.

By applying these strategies, Nudge can create onboarding experiences that not only educate users but also engage and retain them right from the start. This approach ensures users feel supported and motivated, leading to higher satisfaction and long-term loyalty.

Conclusion

Effective onboarding screens are crucial for user engagement and retention. By integrating personalized gamification, calming visuals, streamlined sign-up processes, and clear tutorials, Nudge can enhance the onboarding experience for websites and apps. 

This approach ensures users understand and appreciate the app's value right from the start. 

Explore Nudge's onboarding solutions to transform your user engagement strategy today by booking a demo!