"The Right Way to Ask Users for iOS Permissions" & "Curators All the Way Down — Mirror"

"The Right Way to Ask Users for iOS Permissions" & "Curators All the Way Down — Mirror"

In today's digital age, where technology has become a commodity and the web is saturated with information, it has become crucial for businesses and developers to find effective ways to engage with users and provide them with a seamless experience. One area where this is particularly important is in asking users for iOS permissions. Whether it's accessing their photos, contacts, or sending push notifications, getting user permission is a delicate process that requires careful consideration.

One approach that is not recommended is the initial blitzkrieg, where users are bombarded with requests for access right from the start. This can be overwhelming for users and may lead to a low acceptance rate. Instead, it is important to only ask for access when it is truly necessary and to clearly communicate the benefits that users will receive in return. This approach was taken by the app Cluster, and it was found that only 30-40% of users accepted the initial request. However, when the benefit explanation was provided, acceptance increased to 66%. This highlights the importance of making the value proposition clear to users.

Another important factor to consider is the timing of the permission request. Asking users for access to their photos, for example, at a better time later, resulted in a higher acceptance rate. In fact, 46% of people who initially denied access ended up granting it when asked at a more opportune moment. This shows that timing plays a crucial role in user decision-making.

One effective strategy for obtaining permissions is the use of double system-style dialogs. These dialogs present users with the option to give access or deny it at a system level. Surprisingly, only 3% of users who clicked "Give Access" clicked "Don't Allow", indicating that less than 2% of total users denied access. This suggests that presenting users with a clear choice can lead to higher acceptance rates.

Educational pre-permission overlays have also proven to be successful in obtaining permissions from users. By providing users with information and context before asking for access, the acceptance rate can be increased. In fact, testing real flows with dozens of people has shown that permissions allowance can be close to 100% when using this approach.

User-triggered dialogs have also shown high success rates in obtaining permissions. For example, asking users for photo access after they have tapped a camera and chosen photos increased the acceptance rate from 67% to 89%. Similarly, when users tap "Notify Me" for push notifications, the success rate for obtaining permission is 100%. These examples illustrate the importance of context and user intent in the permission request process.

Moving beyond the realm of permissions, we find ourselves in a world where the era of the engineer has ended, and the era of the curator has begun. With technology becoming a commodity, the focus has shifted to the curation of content and products. The democratized access provided by the web has led to an overwhelming amount of information, and consumers are spending more time trying to sift through the noise.

In this state of analysis paralysis, the role of the curator has become crucial. Consumers are seeking better sources, designs, and durability in their purchases, and trust has become a valuable currency. Influence is no longer synonymous with taste, and consumers are becoming more discerning in their choices. Companies like Basic.Space have recognized this shift and have found success by curating not just products but also sellers, creating a platform that celebrates individualism while providing direct access to curated offerings.

As the culture continues to trickle up, it is clear that curators will play a significant role in guiding consumers and shaping trends. In a world where curation is at the forefront of every purchasing decision, businesses and individuals must understand the power of trust and the importance of providing curated experiences.

In conclusion, when it comes to asking users for iOS permissions, there are several key strategies to consider. First, only ask for access when it is truly necessary and clearly communicate the benefits to users. Second, timing is crucial, and asking for permissions at a more opportune moment can lead to higher acceptance rates. Third, consider using double system-style dialogs, educational pre-permission overlays, and user-triggered dialogs to increase the chances of obtaining permission.

By following these actionable pieces of advice, businesses and developers can create a better user experience, build trust, and navigate the world of curation in the digital age.