UXjam

LukeW | Gradual Engagement Boosts Twitter Sign-Ups by 29%

Through their user research, Twitter found that while celebrities (and their tweets) were a big reason people came to Twitter, they did not keep them there. Instead, what kept users on Twitter was the things they were passionate about - hobbies, conversations with subject-matter experts, and friends. This was the core essence of the service that a gradual engagement approach needed to deliver.

Excellent shift, Twitter. I was thoroughly offended when I went to register for another Twitter account and found that “Start following these random people!” screen.

Also, I am extremely enticed by the description of sending confirmation emails TripIt to sign up…might have to try that next time I travel.