The onboarding phase of an app is one of the most critical parts of the user experience. It shapes the first impression users have and influences whether they continue exploring the product or abandon it after a few minutes. Effective onboarding helps people understand how an app works while encouraging them to engage with it quickly and confidently.
Interestingly, this challenge isn’t unique to digital apps. Video game developers have been perfecting the art of teaching users new systems for decades. Game tutorials must introduce mechanics without disrupting immersion, and when done well, they make complex experiences feel intuitive from the very beginning.
Many of the techniques used in successful video games can offer valuable lessons for UX designers building modern digital products.
In This Content
Learning by Doing
One of the most effective approaches used in video games is learning through interaction rather than explanation. Instead of overwhelming players with instructions, good tutorials guide them to discover mechanics naturally.
A classic example is Super Mario Bros.. The game teaches players how to move, jump, and interact with enemies without displaying lengthy instructions. The level design itself encourages experimentation. Players quickly understand the rules of the world simply by playing.
This principle works just as well in app design. Rather than presenting long onboarding screens filled with text, designers can let users learn through small guided actions.
A strong real-world example is Duolingo. Instead of explaining the entire platform upfront, Duolingo immediately places users into their first lesson. The interface introduces features gradually as the user progresses. By engaging with the product directly, users learn faster and feel less overwhelmed.
The key takeaway: interaction should come before instruction.
Immediate Engagement
First impressions happen quickly. When users open an app or launch a game, they often decide within seconds whether they want to continue.
Games are particularly good at creating instant engagement. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, players are quickly placed into an open world with minimal explanation. The environment encourages exploration, and players begin interacting with the world immediately.
The same principle appears in modern mobile apps. TikTok is a perfect example. When users open the app, they can start watching videos instantly. There’s no lengthy onboarding process—value is delivered immediately.
This approach is sometimes called behavioral onboarding, where users understand the product by using it rather than reading about it.
The lesson for product designers: show value instantly and remove friction whenever possible.
Balancing Freedom and Guidance
Another important challenge in onboarding is deciding how much direction to give users. Too little guidance can make people feel lost, especially in complex products. Too much instruction can feel restrictive or overwhelming.
A well-balanced example from gaming is The Sims. The game offers optional tutorials for players who want guidance while still allowing others to explore freely. This flexibility accommodates different types of players.
A similar approach is used by Figma. When new users open Figma, they see a few helpful tooltips and have access to tutorials if they want deeper guidance. However, the platform also allows them to jump straight into creating designs.
This balance empowers users while still offering support when needed.
Key Lessons for UX Designers
Video games demonstrate several onboarding principles that translate well into digital product design:
-
Prioritize interaction over long explanations
-
Deliver value immediately to keep users engaged
-
Provide guidance without restricting exploration
-
Introduce features gradually instead of all at once
These ideas help create onboarding experiences that feel natural rather than instructional.
Final Thoughts
Video games have spent decades refining how people learn new systems quickly and enjoyably. Their tutorials succeed because they prioritize immersion, exploration, and user confidence.
For UX designers building modern apps, studying these techniques can lead to more effective onboarding experiences. By encouraging discovery, delivering value early, and balancing guidance with freedom, digital products can create smoother first impressions—and ultimately retain more users.