How LLMs Change User Onboarding

Have you ever felt overwhelmed when trying to learn a new, complex application? I definitely have. As developers, we do our best to create feature-rich software, but then we face a new challenge: how do we help users navigate all this awesomeness without drowning them in information?

For years, we've relied on application tours, onboarding videos, and extensive documentation to introduce users to our software. I've been there myself. For my Epic Workshop app, I created a half-hour video showcasing all the available features for new users. But here's the rub: lots of users ignore these and find them annoying. Also, applications evolve, and keeping these resources up-to-date becomes a never-ending task.

Just make the user interface intuitive!

Enter the AI assistant

Thanks to advancements in AI and natural language processing, we're entering a new era of user interaction. It's like having a knowledgeable, always-available assistant for every user.

Here's how it works:

1. Users simply state what they want to accomplish in plain language.
2. The AI processes this request and determines the most appropriate tool or workflow.
3. If more information is needed, the AI asks for it—no need for complex forms or validation.
4. The AI guides the user step-by-step through the process.

The problem is, AI assistants aren't trained on your application, your user's data within your application, or have the tools necessary to perform actions on that data.

Unless we give it to them with a Model Context Protocol server.

Why this is revolutionary

Think about it: users no longer need to learn your carefully crafted UI. They don't need to watch lengthy tutorial videos or read through pages of documentation. They just... talk. Like they would to a helpful colleague.

This approach solves several problems at once:

• Reduced learning curve: Users can be productive from day one.
• Always up-to-date: As your app evolves, the AI adapts without needing manual updates to documentation.
• Personalized experience: The AI can tailor its guidance to each user's needs and expertise level with automatic error recovery.

The future of user interaction

We're looking at a fundamental shift in how users interact with software. It's not just about making things easier—it's about creating a more natural, intuitive experience that adapts to the user, rather than forcing the user to adapt to the software.

As developers, this doesn't mean our UI design skills become obsolete. Instead, it challenges us to think about our applications in new ways, focusing on creating powerful, flexible tools that an AI can leverage to help users achieve their goals.

The future of user interaction is conversational, adaptive, and intelligent. And I, for one, am excited to help build that future with you.