| 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.