Components used for in-product discovery
In-product discovery (IPD)
Updated May 12, 2026
Description
- In-product discovery (IPD) is a collection of techniques that help users to onboard and adopt product features.
- IPD can be part of a first-time user experience or used to demonstrate new features to an existing user.
Recommendations
Create content
- Work closely with your product manager and product marketing to understand the goals of the IPD, what success looks like, and how success is calculated. This helps you determine if the messaging is correct.
- Iterate IPD content based on metrics and product updates. Metrics can include clicks, views, conversions, and upgrades.
- Write for readability and acknowledge how users might be feeling. For example, if they might be confused at any point in the process, use reassuring and supportive language.
Spark interest
- Write persuasively to encourage users to access current features. Use the Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action (AIDA) model. The AIDA model works as follows.
- Attention: Catch your user's attention to create awareness of the features.
- Interest: Drive interest in the features by connecting with your user.
- Desire: Generate desire by explaining how the features can help your user.
- Action: Move the user to take action and start using the features.
- Use a call to action (CTA). This can be a link to more information where relevant.
Keep accessibility in mind
Add alt text and subtitles to an embedded video. Also provide a link to the video if possible.
Be intentionally obvious
- Explain to users why information is needed and how it will be used.
- Give step-by-step, simple instructions. Ask yourself the following questions before writing steps.:
- Why and how did the user reach the current screen?
- What would they like to do next?
- What action would you like them to take?
- Is there a relevant call to action?
- Summarize what the user has done so far.
- Make sure users are clear and confident about what happens next. For example, “Thanks for uploading your ID. You’re all set to rent a car. Pick a car!”
Resources
- Fogg Behavior Model
- Nielsen Norman Group: Information Foraging
- Readability Guidelines
- Pendo Guide Best Practices
Usage guidelines
| Do use IPD | Do not use IPD |
|---|---|
| Onboarding walkthroughs Ongoing customer education about new products and new features for a specific product. There must be release notes for the new feature that you can link to. Quick user ratings | In-app messaging Live chat Reminders to complete important tasks like tax returns. Acknowledgments that users have read important information. Use a message or dialog component instead. Sales and marketing information |
Process
Product owners, business analysts, product managers, and the XD team are involved in planning and creating IPD.
These stakeholders determine the following.
- The IPD outcome. For example, drive users to a new feature or walk them through a confusing process.
- The preferred template layout, associated media, and content.
- Character counts, guide placement, segmentation, and transitions.
The XD team identifies the IPD users. Questions about users include the following.
- What’s their role?
- Are they beginners or advanced?
- What do they want to know?
- How much information can they handle at once?
- What metrics do they care about?
- What are their pain points that your product or feature can solve?
- What tasks do they need to complete?
- What stops them using your product or feature?
- Where did they get stuck in your product?