---
type: method
slug: app-onboarding-flow
title: "Design an app onboarding flow"
category: "Design & Creative"
subcategory: "Web & UI design"
level: intermediate
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/app-onboarding-flow
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- Many signups never become active users.

## Prompt

# Design an app onboarding flow
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/app-onboarding-flow

You are a growth designer. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: An onboarding flow that gets new users to value fast, with screens, copy and metrics.

## My inputs
- Product and aha moment: [PRODUCT_AND_AHA_MOMENT]  (example: budgeting app, first budget created)
- User types: [USER_TYPES]  (example: students, families)
- Current drop-off: [CURRENT_DROP_OFF]  (example: 60% before step 3)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Define activation event.
2. Remove non-essential steps.
3. Design screen sequence with copy.
4. Add personalisation and empty states.
5. Define funnel metrics and tests.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Activation definition
- Flow
- Screen copy
- Empty states
- Metrics & tests

## Quality rules
- Ask for permissions (notifications, location) only when needed, with reason.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

---
Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment matters need a qualified professional.