####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 ([[ https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Growth/Positive_reinforcement#/media/File:Levelling-up-experiment-get-started-editing-1w.png | 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 ([[ https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1L6DOn6nY8aTR0GgJNSYML4E4H4v0Za1E6ji3WsA7X9M/edit#slide=id.g8abf83970e_0_0 | 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:
[x] Research past Growth experiments related to newcomer notifications and engagement.
- see https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T389017#10825604
[] Draft requirements for {T393722} - Define the timing and frequency strategy for sending the notification(s) & draft copy changes.
[] Conduct a competitive analysis of onboarding and activation strategies from other platforms.
[] Explore Phase 2 design improvements, further notification segmentation, notification & email improvements, etc.
[] Share designs in WMF Design Review + Growth Team