Redesigning the Author Onboarding Experience to Drive 60% More Signups
User Research • UI/UX Design • User Analysis
Project Overview
I led the redesign of the author onboarding experience for Anzir Author Studio, a SaaS platform that empowers creators to develop and publish immersive role-playing stories (JuBenSha/Mystery Act). The existing application process faced high drop-off rates and user confusion, leading to low registration conversions.
This initiative focused on optimizing the onboarding flow to improve usability and conversion rates. By conducting user analysis and workflow evaluation, we refined the onboarding experience, reducing friction and increasing registration conversions by 60%, resulting in a more seamless and engaging first-time user experience.
Role
UX & Product Designer
User Research, UI/UX Design, User Analysis, Onboarding Flow Optimization
Team
Anzir
Collaborated with a PM and a designer
Duration
2 weeks
Tools
Figma
Background
Why Redesign the Author Onboarding Experience?
The original author onboarding process was designed to be simple—applicants only needed to read the guidelines and submit a form to complete their application. This approach aimed to lower barriers and increase conversions.
However, we observed that a significant number of users were not completing their applications. At the same time, the team frequently received inquiries about contracts, copyrights, and collaboration modes, despite this information was already provided in the guidelines. This indicated a gap between the provided information and user understanding, leading us to rethink how onboarding should guide authors through the application process more effectively.
Problem Statement
Our initial analysis of the existing onboarding flow revealed several friction points that caused user hesitation. Applicants frequently faced confusion around contracts, copyrights, collaboration modes, and JuBenSha (Mystery Act) itself. These uncertainties created barriers, leading to drop-offs and incomplete registrations. The challenge was to reduce user confusion, build trust, and create a more seamless onboarding experience to improve author conversion rates.
User Research
Collecting & Analysing User Feedback
We reviewed author inquiries and emails, identifying recurring questions that highlighted key user concerns:
Uncertainty about ownership rights and obligations.
Confusion between Free Author and Signed Author application tracks.
Many applicants lacked clarity on how to create content or whether they were qualified.
User Analysis
Onboarding Flow Analysis
To further investigate why users were dropping off, we conducted a workflow analysis of the existing onboarding process:
Mismatch in author pathways
Users expected to apply as a Free Author, but the process guided them into the Signed Author track.
Critical information on contracts and collaboration modes was only presented after users had already entered the application flow, instead of being clear from the start.
The process assumed applicants were already familiar with JuBenSha creation.
Redeign & Refinement
Redesign & Refinement
Defining a Clear Author Collaboration Modes
We developed a clear framework differentiating Free Authors and Signed Authors, addressing contract and copyright concerns. While not yet publicly presented, this structured mode lays the foundation for future transparency.
Redesign & Refinement
Restructuring the Onboarding Flow
We initially expanded onboarding into multiple steps to improve user understanding but later refined it back into fewer, phased steps. This ensured users received critical information without feeling overwhelmed.
Redesign & Refinement
Optimizing UI & Content
We redesigned the UI and textual content to improve clarity, introduce intuitive guidance, and enhance trust.
Start as a Free Author
Learning Pathway Guidance
Apply as a Signed Author
The Results
Since its implementation in mid-January, the new onboarding process has successfully increased author engagement and conversions, providing a smoother and more structured transition into the platform.
Key Outcomes
✦ Clarified Author Collaboration Modes
Clearly differentiated Free Authors and Signed Authors, ensuring applicants understand their options before committing.
✦ Structured Guidance
Introduced a progressive onboarding process, with the Learning Pathway bridging the knowledge gap to help users better understand JuBenSha.
✦ Optimized UI & Content
Enhanced clarity in onboarding steps, refined messaging, visual hierarchy, and guidance, reducing confusion and hesitation.
Key Metrics
60%
Rising from 250 to 400 per month.
4908
Reaching 4,908 total authors as of February 4, 2025 (compared to 3,883 in September 2024).
28 / 4
More balanced, with most users starting as Free Authors (28 per day on average), while Signed Author applications remained stable at 4 per day.
By clarifying user pathways, reducing friction, and improving structured guidance, the new onboarding process has led to a more engaging and seamless author registration experience.
