Fridaaaaay is Fun Day = #adoption and deep dive into ... adding video game inspired techniques in onboarding.
At 12 I used to wake up earlier to play Tales of Symphonia before school, that was clearly my first huge video game crush 🤍 .
so what can you copy from the best games?
[ ] Provide a Positive Context For Learning
Zelda Breath of the Wild x @mondaydotcom
In both, new mechanics are introduced in a 'safe' context for users to play around - a sandbox to test and learn - the shrines in Zelda / the showcase database in Monday.
[ ] Use Non Obtrusive Tips
Northgard x @Webflow
Both only give tips in context avoiding to cramp users with tons of product tours that pop up non stop everywhere. Typically, Northgard only triggers tips when players enter enemy area to incite them to create a training camp.
[ ] Teach the Game by Playing the Game
Super Mario Bros x @NotionHQ
The World 1-1 (best onboarding video game levels of all time) - “within that one section…the player would understand the concept [...] and what the game was about.” Just like Notion first boxes to check ✅
[ ] Create Physical Habits
Hard to do this thread without @Superhuman x CounterStrike
CS mastered the keyboard, and players spend hours training to gain speed / buy specific keyboards with colors. That was def in mind when Superhuman built their shortcuts to make work faster ⚡️.
[ ] Progression and Unlockable Content
FF XIV x @asana
As players progress through FF XIV story, and demonstrate their skills, they unlock advanced powers, inciting them to master the full game. Same in Asana, as you test features, they intro more advanced ones to master 👀.
Other classics include
[ ] WoW x @duolingo with badges and leaderboards
[ ] Blank Slate x @Productboard with fill-in-the-blanks user profile completion
[ ] The Sims (and TONS) x @teamuserpilot with personalisation of theme from the beginning
[ ] One I'd love to see is having a well known voice walk you through features like in the Evil Dead games - movements are taught to players with the witty voice of Bruce Campbell.
Just need to find whose voice is iconic in SaaS 👀 ... that's next level after the Superbowl.
And last for this thread, a must watch video where legendary Shigeru Miyamoto (designer of Mario + World 1-1) explains his design process 👏 and how he taps into gamers' emotions 🪄
youtu.be/zRGRJRUWafY
The end 🎬
Loads of articles + years of gaming went into this thread 🫠
Patricia Bernasconi
@patbsci
🍭 3y trying to crack productivity for teams (🪦 @KairnApp) 🔮 Ping me to add virality to your SaaS - freelance Product Manager magic 🏄♀️ Currently in Lisbon
