Writing to simplify onboarding: Oppia Android App onboarding flow
Problem: How might we simplify the onboarding flows for both learners and parents/teachers (two separate flows with some cross-over), who may not be digitally- or English-native
User needs:
- Gain assurance that the app is relevant for the learner
- Understand that the app is free and trust the app
- Data usage is low, and/or
- Privacy and security - App does not contain inappropriate content or exposure to dangers
- Upon download, to enable the intended learner to start his/her first lesson with ease
- Parent/Teacher may wish to: Monitor the progress of the learner(s), and/or, Prevent a learner from accessing other profiles
- Minimise sign-up errors and difficulties
My role: Lead content designer, working losely with 2-3 product managers and 1 product designer / researcher
Outcomes: Successfully launched in English and Brazillian Portuguese, with 100K+ downloads on the Google Play Store.
Content design approach
Reducing cognitive load using the design principle of “progressive disclosure”This, coupled with a simple, readable style, made the introduction to the app friendly for new users. In the first two onboarding screens, users were introduced to the app, and asked to take a simple action of choosing a language to learn in.
Iterating copy through user research to reduce errors and friction. We conducted moderated usability tests during the 1st prototype with potential learners and teachers/parents. After which, I looked through the feedback and gathered the points that users were stuck or frustrated, and improved the copy.
Learner and admin profile creation: Once again using “progressive disclosure” to have 1 screen fcosu on 1 piece of information or 1 task, reducing cognitive load and making sign-ups simpler for less-advanced users.
Adding a new learner: 1 complexity in the user flow was that a learner profile can become an admin, if they add another learner. This situation may arise if different learners are sharing the same device (e.g. 1 device per family)
- Using progressive disclosure to keep the cognitive load low: Explaining 1 new concept per screen
- Linking the user flow to the real world at the end of the flow: Inviting the user to pass the phone on a new learner