Design Guidelines

Feature Discovery and Adoption

Simple prompts go a long way in raising awareness of your new feature.

Feature prompt featured on application wireframe.

When introducing a new feature to users who are already familiar with the product, a positive user engagement experience is crucial. These users:

  • Know the basics, and don't want their workflow interrupted without good reason
  • Want actionable, relevant information about new possibilities and updates to features they use often
  • Don't want to be sold to, unless an offering is clearly tailored to their needs

Usage

A New Feature is Enabled or Available

Experienced users don't want unnecessary interruptions. They appreciate enhancements to features they use often, and like to be the first to know about new features, as long as the information is helpful and relevant.

  • Use a feature popover to highlight a new feature that the user isn't already taking advantage of but would benefit from.
  • If the feature requires more than one step, use a walkthrough or docked assistant to guide users through the new feature and how it can help them.
Feature prompt featured on application wireframe.
Use a feature prompt to bring attention to new features and capabilities.
Walkthrough prompt featured on application wireframe.
Walkthroughs are effective in pulling users through a series of steps across one or more new feature screens.
Docked assistance featured on application wireframe.
A docked assistant prompt is effective when users need to refer to content while exploring the feature on their own.

User Isn't Taking Advantage of a Valuable Feature

Sometimes your users aren't using your application to its full potential. To let them know when they're not following best practices or taking advantage of beneficial features, offer tips and guidance focused on saving time and increasing productivity.

Feature prompt featured on application wireframe.
A feature prompt can raise awareness of a feature a user may be overlooking.
Non-modal prompt  featured on application wireframe.
The non-modal prompt is an effective, non-intrusive way to nudge users about a feature or capability.
Walkthrough prompt featured on application wireframe.
A walkthrough is an effective way to contextually show users the value of a capability they may be missing.