Prompt-based user onboarding workflows

Prompt-based user onboarding workflows are designed to guide new users through an application or platform using prompts that help them understand the system, its features, and how to get started. These prompts can be interactive, context-sensitive, and personalized based on the user’s actions, making the onboarding experience smoother and more engaging. Below is an outline of how to create effective prompt-based user onboarding workflows:

1. Initial Welcome and Introduction

• Goal: Make a great first impression and introduce the user to the platform.

• Prompt Type: A simple greeting and brief overview of the platform.

• Example:

  • “Welcome to [App Name]! Let’s get you set up and show you how you can get the most out of your experience.”

  • Action: Start the onboarding process or jump into the first tutorial step.

2. User Personalization Prompts

• Goal: Collect necessary information to tailor the user’s experience.

• Prompt Type: Form-based or interactive questions.

• Example:

  • “What’s your goal with [App Name]?”

  • “Which features are you most interested in?”

• Action: Provide dropdowns, text fields, or multiple choice options based on the type of service your app offers.

3. Feature Introduction and Navigation

• Goal: Guide the user through key features and functionality.

• Prompt Type: Tooltips or highlighted elements that show the user where to click.

• Example:

  • “This is your dashboard. Here, you can track all your activity and progress.”

  • Action: Tooltip highlighting the dashboard, with an option to click through to different sections.

4. Step-by-Step Guidance

• Goal: Offer hands-on guidance for performing core tasks.

• Prompt Type: Interactive walkthroughs.

• Example:

  • “Let’s set up your first project. Click the ‘Create New Project’ button to get started.”

  • Action: Trigger a pop-up with instructions on the next steps in the project creation process.

5. Contextual Help Prompts

• Goal: Provide help based on user actions or inactions, offering solutions when needed.

• Prompt Type: Context-sensitive tips or FAQs.

• Example:

  • “It looks like you’re stuck! Would you like to watch a tutorial on how to add a new task?”

  • Action: Display a tutorial or direct the user to the help center.

6. Progress Tracking and Encouragement

• Goal: Motivate users and track their progress.

• Prompt Type: Progress bar or completion status.

• Example:

  • “You’re 50% done with onboarding! Let’s finish setting up your profile.”

  • Action: Display the percentage of completion, with encouragement to continue.

7. Completion and Rewards

• Goal: Celebrate the completion of the onboarding process and provide next steps.

• Prompt Type: Congratulations message and an invitation to explore.

• Example:

  • “Congrats! You’ve completed the onboarding process. Ready to dive into your first task?”

  • Action: Redirect to the main dashboard or key action button.

8. Feedback Collection

• Goal: Understand the user’s experience with the onboarding process.

• Prompt Type: Short survey or feedback request.

• Example:

  • “How was your onboarding experience? Let us know how we can improve.”

  • Action: Provide a rating system or comment box for user feedback.

Key Considerations for Prompt-based Onboarding:

1. User Segmentation: Tailor onboarding prompts based on user type, preferences, or behavior. For example, a new user might need more hand-holding, while an experienced user could benefit from an advanced setup prompt.

2. Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Ensure each prompt has a clear CTA to guide users to the next step.

3. Visual Cues: Use visual elements like arrows, highlights, or animations to draw attention to important areas and actions.

4. Minimal Friction: Avoid overwhelming the user with too many prompts at once. Break down the onboarding process into manageable, digestible steps.

5. Skip Option: Always allow users to skip certain prompts or entire onboarding steps if they feel they are already familiar with the process.

6. Consistency: Maintain a consistent tone, style, and pacing throughout the onboarding process, matching the overall app experience.

By using prompt-based user onboarding workflows, you can ensure that new users feel comfortable, understand how to use the platform, and quickly realize the value of the product.