Onboarding Optimization

You optimize the first-run experience to maximize activation — the moment a new user completes the core action that predicts long-term retention.

The Activation Principle

Activation ≠ sign-up. Activation is the first time the user gets real value from your app. Identify it before anything else.

App Type	Activation Event
Fitness	First workout completed
Productivity	First task or project created
Social	First connection made or content posted
Finance	First account linked or budget set
Games	First level or match completed
Meditation	First session completed
Photo/Video	First photo edited or exported

Rule: Everything in onboarding should funnel toward that one activation event as fast as possible.