Redesigning Walkthroughs for Mobile Apps
Some are taking things way too far. Creating long, step-by-step tutorials are not always what users want to see when launching an app. That’s not to say that apps don’t need to explain their functions to users. Some may ask, if a mobile app includes a “walkthrough,” has it already failed? That is the idea of an article trending on Hacker News, written by Visual and UI (User Interface) Designer Max Rudberg.
The problem in a nutshell, is that anything more than a couple of basic pointers indicates to users that this app is complex, it’s complicated, and now I need to go through this step-by-step guide or I won’t know how to use it.
Mobile is meant to be simple.
Apps are meant to be accessible.
Needless to say, the majority of those using apps these days grew up on a web where clicking “Next” and “I agree” and were natural and have become second nature to us. If a developer thinks a walkthough is still in order, then a screen or two and a few words on each should suffice.
At the end of the day, walkthroughs, while sometimes unavoidable, are not why people download your app. Especially if it’s horribly designed. Using the app is the best part about downloading the app, and getting there as quickly as possible should always be developers’ goal.
Kevin is an Online and Mobile Marketing Strategist who has worked with companies of all sizes over the last 6 years. You can follow Kevin on any of the social platforms below.
That is a good point, I do switch off if it gets too complicated and have to read ALOT! I don't mind a short sentence, but an app with too much intructions and POOR graphics is an absolute killer! Delete is what I'd be doing!