The first few minutes.
WHY IT MATTERS MOST
A large proportion of users who install an application never return after the first session.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
The shortest path to the user experiencing value.
WHAT TO REMOVE FROM THAT PATH
Anything not required.
WHAT COMMONLY BLOCKS IT
Mandatory account creation Permission requests before context Long introductory screens Forms requesting more than necessary
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ACCOUNTS
Allow use before requiring one, where the product permits.
WHY
Registration before value is a common point of abandonment.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT PERMISSIONS
Request them when the feature is used, with an explanation.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT INTRODUCTIONS
Keep them very short, or replace them with guidance in context.
WHY
Introductory screens are skipped and not retained.
WHAT TO DESIGN DELIBERATELY
The empty state, which is the first thing every new user sees.
WHAT IT SHOULD DO
Explain what will appear here, and offer the action that fills it.
WHAT TO MEASURE
How many users complete the first meaningful task, and where the rest stop.
