onboarding-designlisted

# Onboarding Design ## Overview Onboarding is the product's job interview. Focus every decision on the shortest path to the **aha moment**: the first instant the user *feels* the core value personally. ## When to Use **Use when:** - Designing or reviewing signup flows, welcome screens, or goal-selection quizzes - Auditing permission prompt placement or copy - Building or optimizing a paywall within an onboarding sequence - Evaluating any screen between first launch and the user's first meaningful action **Not for:** - Post-onboarding retention or engagement loops - General UX copywriting outside the onboarding context ## Core Principles ### 1. Outcomes Over Features Never list features. Show what the user's life looks like after using the product. | Instead of | Write | |------------|-------| | "Learn vocabulary and grammar" | "Have real conversations in Paris" | | "Track your calories" | "Fit into those jeans by August" | | "Organize your tasks" | "Leave work on time, every day" | Every headline must describe a user outcome, not a product capability. ### 2. Drive to the Aha Moment Identify your product's aha moment first. Every screen audit should start with this answer. Map every screen between signup and the aha moment. Delete anything that doesn't move the user closer to it. - **Airbnb:** first booking confirmation - **Spotify:** first song played from a personalized playlist - **Duolingo:** first lesson completed with a streak started ### 3. Personalizatio