Glossary
Onboarding
What is product onboarding?
Product onboarding is the experience of helping a new user get started with a product or service. It may include setup, orientation, a first useful task, and help with unfamiliar interactions. Its purpose is to support initial use, not merely to complete a welcome tour.
Onboarding tutorials and progressive disclosure
Tutorials, worked examples, setup guidance, and contextual help are possible approaches. Progressive disclosure presents detail as it becomes relevant, instead of requiring a new user to learn every feature at once. A tutorial is not an essential element of every onboarding experience.
Nielsen Norman Group’s guidance distinguishes intrusive introductory tutorials from help presented when it is relevant. It also notes that tutorials can be appropriate for unfamiliar interactions. The choice depends on what the user needs to do and what they already understand.
Illustrative example
A new user of a scheduling service creates a first appointment, with help available beside unfamiliar settings. This differs from requiring them to view every feature before doing useful work.
How to evaluate product onboarding
Task completion, errors, comprehension, and later use can answer different questions about onboarding. Finishing an introduction does not prove proficiency or long-term retention.