Mindful onboarding

Onboarding shapes user expectations and habits from first interaction. Most onboarding flows prioritize activation metrics, pushing users to enable all permissions, connect all accounts, and turn on notifications immediately. This sets patterns of maximum engagement rather than intentional use, establishing unhealthy relationships from day one.

On the other hand, mindful onboarding respects user autonomy and sets healthy precedents. It explains why permissions matter before requesting them, allowing informed decisions.^[1] Users can defer non-essential setup to explore core value first. Default settings prioritize privacy and minimal notifications rather than maximum engagement. The flow focuses on helping users accomplish their specific goals efficiently.

For example, Duolingo allows users to set realistic daily goals during onboarding rather than pushing maximum commitment. Superhuman teaches keyboard shortcuts that reduce time spent managing email. Calm demonstrates value through a brief meditation before requesting subscriptions or permissions. These approaches build trust and establish products as tools serving users rather than exploiting attention.