User story & summary:
As a newcomer, I want to receive a well-timed and engaging notification that guides me toward my first edit, so I can quickly understand what to do next and feel encouraged to contribute. By receiving clear guidance at the right moment, I will be more likely to take my first editing step and continue participating in Wikipedia.
Background & research:
Hypothesis: If new accounts that have not yet edited receive a supportive notification* with a Suggested Edit recommendation within 24 hours of creating an account, then they will be more likely to activate constructively.
*An Echo notification and an email if the account has an associated email address.
Supporting Data & Insights:
- The “Get Started” notification has already been shown to increase newcomer editing when sent at 48 hours after account creation (1). This suggests that well-timed interventions can positively impact newcomer activation. By sending the notification earlier, we may further improve activation rates by reaching users while their interest is still high.
- Prior studies show that positive reinforcement, such as the "Thanks" feature, leads to increased editor engagement (2). This suggests that notifications framed as encouragement rather than just instructions may yield better results.
Design Exploration Considerations & Questions
Timing & Frequency
- What is the optimal time to send the first "Get Started" notification? Should it be immediate, within a few hours, or within the first day?
- Should we consider sending additional follow-up notifications if the newcomer does not take action?
- How can we balance engaging newcomers without being overwhelming or annoying?
Messaging & Content
- How can we improve the copy to make it more engaging, welcoming, and action-oriented?
- Should the notification include a direct Suggested Edit recommendation, or should it provide more general guidance first?
- Should the tone be instructional, encouraging, or gamified (e.g., "Your first edit is waiting for you!")?
Design & Delivery
- How should the notification be structured to maximize readability and engagement?
- Should we explore improvements to how the notification appears in Echo?
- Should we optimize the email version of the notification for better engagement?
- Would a more visually engaging format increase the likelihood of engagement?
Iterative Approach
- What would a minimal viable product (MVP) version of this experiment look like?
- If successful, what additional improvements could be explored (e.g., personalized task recommendations, reminders, or milestone-based encouragement messages)?
Acceptance Criteria:
- Research past Growth experiments related to newcomer notifications and engagement.
- Draft requirements for T393722: Get Started Notification Experiment - finalize copy - Define the timing and frequency strategy for sending the notification(s) & draft copy changes.
