Understanding User Behavior: How to Create and Retain Great Products

Understanding User Behavior: How to Create and Retain Great Products

Introduction:

Creating a great product requires a deep understanding of people's desires and how they interact with the product. By observing user behavior and being curious about their needs, designers and product thinkers can build experiences that resonate with users. In this article, we will explore the importance of product critique and the key factors that contribute to the success of mobile apps.

Forming First Impressions:

When trying out a new app, our first impressions play a crucial role in determining its value proposition and the efforts behind its creation. In most cases, opinions are formed within the first few minutes of interaction. A quick run-through helps us assess the app's usability, value, and craftsmanship. It is essential to analyze these initial experiences to gain insights into what works and what doesn't.

Seeking Additional Perspectives:

To gain a broader understanding of what makes a product successful, it is valuable to seek additional perspectives. This can be done by reading reviews, comments in blogs, and tweets about the app. Learning from others' opinions and experiences helps identify areas for improvement and provides valuable insights into what resonates with users in the market.

The Power of Observation:

Observation is a fundamental aspect of developing better product instincts. Great experiences don't happen by chance; they are a result of keen observation. Designers and product thinkers who excel in their field understand people. They comprehend what motivates, delights, and intrigues users. To build good things, one must continuously observe, be curious, and strive to learn.

The Importance of User Retention:

New data reveals that losing a significant portion of mobile users is a common occurrence. On average, an app loses 77% of its daily active users (DAUs) within the first three days after installation. Within 30 days, this number increases to 90%, and within 90 days, it reaches a staggering 95%. The key to success lies in activating users within the critical first 3-7 day period.

Optimizing Onboarding and Product Description:

To improve user retention, it is crucial to focus on the onboarding flow and how the product is described. The initial experience should be seamless, engaging, and provide immediate value to the user. The top-performing apps are those that users find immediately useful and continue using within the first week. By investing in the activation process and setting up triggers that drive ongoing retention, the retention curve can be significantly improved.

Avoiding Spam-like Notifications:

Sending spammy email notifications with the subject line "We Miss You" is not an effective strategy to retain users. Instead, the focus should be on creating a compelling product experience from the start. While notifications can be useful, the real impact lies in targeting the first few days of usage and ensuring that users are engaged and motivated to continue using the app.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Prioritize understanding user desires and motivations. Continuously seek feedback and observe user behavior to create products that resonate with their needs.

• 2. Invest in optimizing the onboarding flow and product description to create a seamless and engaging user experience from the start. Hook users within the critical first 3-7 days to improve retention rates.

• 3. Avoid relying solely on spam-like notifications to retain users. Instead, focus on delivering immediate value and ongoing engagement through the product itself.

Conclusion:

Creating and retaining great products requires a deep understanding of user behavior and desires. By observing how users interact with the product, seeking additional perspectives, and optimizing the onboarding process, designers and product thinkers can improve user retention rates. By continuously learning, adapting, and prioritizing user satisfaction, we can create products that stand the test of time.