A smoother start for every new user
Onboarding built trust in a sideloaded app, simplified VPN setup, and introduced Premium with clarity.
Product Design
Onboarding UX
Trust & Transparency
Mobile UI Design
Overview
Length
2 Months
Role
Lead Product Designer
Scope
Research through delivery
Team
Android devs, PM, Legal, QA, G2M
How can we create trustworthy onboarding for a sideloaded mobile app that clearly explains features and empowers privacy control?
What we found
😬 VPN Request Screens Created Fear
The system prompt’s language about “monitoring network traffic” felt invasive, causing users to abandon setup before protection was enabled
⚠️ Technical Conflicts Blocked Setup
DNS and permission issues could stop the app from working. Without clear guidance, users assumed the app had failed
Turning setup into trust
Explain core value upfront (ad blocking, privacy, parental controls)
Reframe sensitive steps like VPN permissions with reassuring language
Guide users through setup without confusion or drop-off
Reduce cognitive load by simplifying decisions during setup
Why do I need to give access to a VPN connection
if this is not a VPN?
User testing
Key design decisions
Building trust
Welcomed users with clear, benefit-driven messaging
Used progressive disclosure to sequence technical steps
Reframed VPN copy to reassure users their data stays private
Empowering Control
Defaulted to core protections (ads + malicious content)
Included optional parental controls for added flexibility
Clearly communicated limitations and acceptable ads to set expectations
Final design
🤝 Trust from the start
Clear value, plain-language disclaimers
🔐 Seamless Premium Login
Lightweight OTP flow, no password hurdles
📘 Confidence in Setup
VPN request explained with reassuring copy and visuals
✅ Reassurance on Completion
Minimal dashboard confirms protections are active
View prototype
By far the easiest ad blocker I’ve tried.
Adblock Plus Android App User
Impact
Abandonment
Users completed onboarding without drop-off
Premium Login Success
OTP verification made sign-in seamless
Daily Usage in Week One
Smooth onboarding encouraged immediate engagement
Reflection
Designing onboarding for a sideloaded app showed how much first impressions matter. Every screen carried extra weight in earning trust and guiding users through technical steps.
💡 Takeaway: Clarity and transparency can turn intimidating flows - like VPN and DNS setup - into moments of confidence and control.
Interested?
Let’s connect.
I’m open to roles where design is a true partner in shaping product direction. If you’re building something with purpose, I’d love to chat.