An analysis of over 100 SaaS onboarding email sequences reveals key strategies for improving user activation, emphasizing the importance of timely delivery, personalized subject lines, and a clear content structure. Effective sequences typically consist of 7–10 emails over 14 days, focusing on immediate value and user engagement through concise calls to action and strategic use of social proof. Incorporating user behavior patterns into email strategies enhances overall effectiveness and helps users visualize outcomes.

Harder-to-use interfaces can enhance user engagement and outcomes in both B2B and B2C contexts by introducing "desirable difficulties." Research on disfluent fonts suggests that cognitive strain can lead to deeper processing and improved problem-solving when users are motivated. The key is to intentionally design complexity that aligns with user goals, promoting better decision-making and learning.