The initial experience a user has in taking a new product out of the box and setting it up, in preparation for use, creates a lasting impression and constitutes an important aspect of the total user experience. We offer these guidelines and insights to help other software and hardware companies design initial experiences that are productive and satisfying for users. We also offer suggestions for effective evaluation and testing of the initial experience.
Designing the initial experience The importance of the initial experience.
Initial experience design guidelines - How to use the initial experience guidelines -
Elements of an initial experience - Defining users
User expectations The expectations of novice, occasional, and experienced users.
Users' setup environments A description of setup in the home, in small business, and in large companies.
Step by step Guidance for designing each element of the initial experience.
Packaging - Unpacking -
Setup - Power on - Configuration
- Initial use - Doing work - Assistance
Measuring initial experience A process for designing the initial experience.
Environment - Users and tasks - Prototype and evaluate
- Summary