Onboarding Flow

Onboarding flows introduce new users to mobile applications, explaining value, teaching key features, and collecting necessary setup information. iOS and Android have different conventions for permission requests and introductory experiences. Design systems must specify onboarding patterns that work effectively on both platforms.

What Is Onboarding Flow

Onboarding encompasses the experiences between first app launch and productive use. This may include welcome screens, feature introductions, account creation, preference selection, permission requests, and initial tutorials. The goal is getting users to value quickly while collecting necessary setup.

Onboarding approaches range from minimal (immediate access to the app) to extensive (multi-screen introductions before any access). Research suggests shorter onboarding with progressive disclosure often outperforms front-loaded extensive tutorials.

Platform differences affect onboarding, particularly for permissions. iOS requires explaining permission needs before system prompts. Android permission timing and presentation differ by version. Design systems should account for these platform-specific requirements.

How Onboarding Flows Work

Welcome screens introduce the app’s value proposition. Concise messaging explains what the app does and why users should care. Visual design sets expectations for the app’s aesthetic.

Onboarding Components:

Welcome/Introduction:
- App value proposition
- Key benefit highlights
- Skip option for returning users
- Visual preview of app

Feature Highlights:
- 3-5 key features maximum
- Clear benefit statements
- Illustrative visuals
- Swipeable carousel common

Account Setup:
- Registration or login
- Social sign-in options
- Guest access if appropriate
- Minimal required information

Permission Priming:
- Explain why permission needed
- Show benefit of granting
- Allow decline gracefully
- Time before system prompt

Preference Collection:
- Relevant customization options
- Default selections provided
- Quick selection patterns
- Defer non-essential options

Progressive Tutorial:
- Contextual tips during use
- First-use tooltips
- Coach marks on key elements
- Dismissible and not recurring

Permission priming prepares users for system permission requests. Explaining why the app needs camera, location, or notification access before the system prompt increases grant rates and helps users make informed decisions.

Account creation collects necessary information while minimizing friction. Social sign-in reduces effort. Minimal required fields respect user time. Guest access options defer commitment for exploration.

Progressive onboarding reveals complexity over time. Rather than explaining everything upfront, features introduce themselves through contextual tips during first use of each feature.

Key Considerations

• Keep onboarding as short as effective
• Always provide skip option
• Permission priming before system prompts
• Progressive disclosure over front-loading
• Respect returning users differently than new
• Measure onboarding completion rates

Common Questions

How long should onboarding be?

As short as possible while achieving goals. Every additional screen reduces completion rate. If three screens suffice, do not use five.

Measure drop-off at each step. Analytics reveal where users abandon onboarding. High drop-off points need simplification or removal.

Consider skipping introductions entirely. Some apps work best with immediate access and contextual learning. Extensive onboarding is not always necessary.

Test alternatives. A/B testing shorter versus longer onboarding reveals what actually affects user activation and retention.

How should onboarding handle permissions on iOS versus Android?

iOS requires pre-prompt explanation for many permissions. Users see your custom explanation screen before the system prompt. This is your chance to explain value.

iOS only allows one system prompt per permission. If denied, users must go to Settings to grant. Make your priming effective since you have one chance.

Android permission timing varies by version. Modern Android encourages runtime permission requests in context rather than all at once.

Both platforms benefit from contextual permission requests. Request camera permission when users first try to take a photo, not during initial onboarding.

How should design systems specify onboarding components?

Page indicators show progress through multi-step flows. Dots, progress bars, or step counts help users understand onboarding length.

Navigation patterns specify how users move through steps. Next buttons, swipe gestures, and skip options all need specification.

Illustration styles maintain visual consistency. Onboarding illustrations should match the design system aesthetic.

Copy guidelines ensure appropriate messaging. Tone, length limits, and example copy help teams create effective onboarding content.

Summary

Onboarding flows introduce new users to applications through welcome screens, feature highlights, account setup, and permission requests. Effective onboarding is as short as possible while achieving activation goals. Permission priming before system prompts increases grant rates. Progressive disclosure teaches features in context rather than front-loading information. Design systems should specify onboarding patterns while encouraging measurement and optimization.