Onboarding

What is Onboarding?

Onboarding in the field of Product Design (especially UX/UI) is the process of introducing and guiding new users to become familiar with the product – from the first time they open the app, access the website until they understand how to use the basic features and find the product useful.

The goal of onboarding is to help users quickly understand the core value, reduce the initial feeling of confusion, and increase the likelihood that they will return to use the product (retention). An effective onboarding not only introduces buttons or features but also explains why this product is worth using and helps users achieve their first result as soon as possible (also known as “aha moment”).

Common types of onboarding:

According to Nielsen Norman Group, there are 3 common ways to design onboarding:

1. Step-by-step guides (Tutorials): Usually a series of screens introducing key features, helping users quickly understand what the product does.

2. Tooltip / Highlight in UI: Direct suggestions in the interface using arrows, small pop-ups guiding users on the spot.

3. Empty States: When users have no data (for example: no notes yet), empty states will suggest what the first action should be.

Example

When you open the Duolingo app for the first time, the application will ask you to choose the language you want to learn, your daily goal, and make you take your first lesson right away. This is a typical example of onboarding that helps users feel “I can learn right away and it’s easy to understand”, instead of just seeing a complicated interface and leaving.

Notes when designing onboarding:

• Concise, focused on value: Avoid explaining too many features from the start.

• Can be skipped: Always give users the option to go straight to the experience if they want.

• Personalize if possible: For example, suggest content based on goals or information the user provided initially.

• Guide to real actions: Not just “telling”, but encouraging “doing”.

Onboarding is not a one-time event, but rather a contextual product introduction journey. As a designer, you should see this as the “first communication” opportunity with users — and like any first impression, it is extremely important.