Unexplored UX: Getting iOS Users to Turn App Notifications Back On
Mobile app notifications are still horrible. Without sufficient carrots or sticks, most developers fall back to waaaaay too many in order to juice engagement. And the notion of “user control” is a whole bunch of toggles in the app menu and iOS settings. Blech.
Has anyone shared data on whether the number of users who default out of app notifications at point of install is increasing? I know it’s my natural reaction these days, causing the loss of an important communication channel. Developers can tell which users have disabled notifications but I’ve seen very little exploration on how to reactivate these users other than the occasional (and very generic) “this app is more fun/useful/etc with notifications turned on. enable here” dialogue.
Some ideas for reactivating:
How about popping up an in-app dialogue periodically when I open the app, or even email message, which shows the user what kind of notifications they’re missing? Not examples, but actual high-quality and actionable notifications they would have received? (if the notifications possess neither of these qualities = bigger problems).
What about using some psychology/behavioral voodoo via signup or reactivation, such as, “95% of your friends have notifications turned on. Don’t miss their messages.”
Even the nuclear option: disable the app if they don’t turn on notifications. I know this sounds crazy but for some categories of apps (messaging?) wonder if turning notifications off correlates so highly with inactive users that a developer should just force them to have a consistent engaged experience.
Any examples of mobile apps that take an interesting approach to managing notification opt-outs?
Find me on Twitter @hunterwalk
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Managing & Creative Director at Engage Convert Ltd
10 年Its interesting to hear different views on this subject. I sure believe in getting business and user value via engagement and quality UX rather than the 'push' 'sell' tactic. The nuclear option: 'disable the app' seems very hardcore in its approach, I'm warm to the concept of showing users what they missed out on while notifications were off but out of user context or the critical time frame will it have a creditable effect. One important consideration is, if notifications enhance your UX, getting them on and keeping them on is a must have objective.
Senior Consultant at PCG | PREDICTABLE BUSINESS AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
10 年Found this article via an email notification from LinkedIn of "7 Must Reads." I appreciate notifications from my bank so that I don't overdraw my account; from an airline telling me if my flight is delayed or on time; or when email messages from clients arrive in my business mailbox. Otherwise, I decide when I look at my emails and messages. I don't use them just because they're there. As mentioned earlier, if it tells me something I can use, I'll turn it on. Otherwise don't bug me or I'll delete the app.
I help global tech leaders elevate potential into success ???
10 年"How about popping up an in-app dialogue periodically when I open the app, or even email message, which shows the user what kind of notifications they’re missing?" Doesn't this defeat the whole purpose of turning notifications off?
seller at zhejiang jingyi textile machinery co., Ltd
10 年learn
Legal Administrative Specialist at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
10 年Make better batteries. apps are turned off because they drain my phone when I really need it.