## Pick one activation event

Teams often track too many onboarding signals. Choose one event that strongly predicts retention and optimize toward that moment.

- Event happens within first session
- Event maps to user value, not internal metrics
- Event is measurable without manual tagging

## Design progressive setup

Long setup forms delay value. Ask only what is required for first success, then collect secondary preferences later.

Progressive disclosure keeps activation momentum high.

## Instrument drop-off by step

Without step-level instrumentation, onboarding feels like a black box. Measure where people stall, then redesign that exact moment.

```json
{
  "event": "onboarding_step_completed",
  "properties": ["step_name", "step_index", "time_spent_seconds", "account_type"]
}
```

For more information, visit [AI Research Center](/content/blog/onboarding-flows-that-reduce-time-to-value#/index.html).