Company
Date Published
Author
Robbie Allan
Word count
1292
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

The AIDA model, created by E. St. Elmo Lewis in 1898, describes the four cognitive phases that buyers follow when accepting a new idea or purchasing a product: attention to a problem, interest in benefits, decision to buy, and action to complete the purchase. However, this model was originally designed for pre-digital products, whereas today, digital products often require little or no purchase commitment from the buyer, offering free trials, minimal month-to-month commitments, or being completely free. As a result, the first use experience has evolved into A-I-A-D, where users take action to sign up for a product before making a decision to buy it. To convince early-in-the-process buyers to stay beyond their first use, the first use flow should help them experience the value of the product while asking very little in return. This requires focusing on the job customers want to do, showing rather than telling, and removing all non-essential steps. The goal is to provide maximum value with minimal effort, creating a compelling tour of a new and better world that helps users quickly understand, visualize, and experience the benefits of the product.