name	product-tour-design
description	Use when designing in-product tours and coachmarks for new users. Covers the trigger patterns, the dismiss-respect-the-user principle, and the alternative of contextual help.

Product Tour Design

Product tours are tempting. Used badly, they create tour fatigue. Modern preference: contextual help over forced tours.

When to use

First sign-in for complex products. After feature launch on existing accounts. NOT as a substitute for clear UI.

Max stops

5 stops, ideally 3. More = abandonment.

Dismiss patterns

'Skip tour' always present. Esc dismisses. Don't pin behind a tour.

Contextual help alternative

Persistent help icon next to complex features. Tooltip on hover. Doesn't force the tour but available when needed.

Common mistakes

12 coachmarks on first login. Tour that blocks the actual product. Tour with no 'Skip'. Re-firing tour every session.

Where this fits in X3 Compass

Applied across the X3 Compass design system.

name	product-tour-design
description	Use when designing in-product tours and coachmarks for new users. Covers the trigger patterns, the dismiss-respect-the-user principle, and the alternative of contextual help.