Google Sheets on iPhone first time user experience
The good bits:
- While the app does require a user to log in, it will create an account shortcut if the user has already signed in to Google on the device. This cuts down on unnecessary re-entering of email and password credentials.
- The user can skip the first product slideshow using the “Get started” button.
To be improved:
- Sheets for iPhone uses 2 product tour slideshows sandwiched around the sign-in prompt. The first 4-panel slideshow is focused on high-level features, whereas the second 3-panel slideshow provides detailed instruction. The problem with this approach is that it front-loads a lot of information that the user needs to maintain even before he is in the context of the app. This heavy cognitive load can result in a large portion of the information being forgotten. Interestingly, the second slideshow does not provide a way for the user to skip ahead.
- The second slideshow creates a jarring repetition and a possible confusion point. At this stage the user has tapped a “Get started” button, signed in, and answered a prompt for sending feedback. At this point he may truly be expecting to “get started” with his documents. Instead, he is shown another slideshow. He may even think it is a duplicate of the first one. In either case, he may quickly scroll ahead and ignore the information so he can get on with his work. A better approach might be to show this content if it appears the user has trouble in the app, or integrate it more as inline help content.
- Sheets forces the user to log in, and provides no way for someone to create or try out content without tethering the app to their Google account. I understand this is the approach Google takes across the board, but it would be interesting for them to allow users to create content without an account, or even set up a default account until they sync to a different one.
- There is no way to recall the contents of the second slideshow.