Creating a Setup Wizard: Best Practices

• A wizard UI is a step-by-step process that guides users through a series of tasks or inputs in a prescribed order.
• The key to designing an effective setup wizard is to focus on simplicity, visibility of system status, help and documentation, consistency, error prevention, recovery from errors, and user achievement and satisfaction.
• Examples of wizard design heuristics in action include using grayed-out buttons to prevent errors and adding a checkmark to indicate completion.
• Wizard UIs should only be used for complex tasks that require guidance, must be completed in a specific order, and rely on user input at each step.
• A well-designed setup wizard reduces complexity, ensures all necessary information is provided, minimizes errors, and boosts user confidence and ability to complete the task.
• Use cases for wizard UIs include setting up new devices, onboarding for software or services, and guiding users through modules or tutorials.