How to reduce time-to-value with intelligent product experiences

Nichole Mace SVP Product, Pendo

Key Quote

AI can shorten and straighten the line between onboarding and the Aha moment.

Session Description

Traditional onboarding walks users through setup—AI accelerates them straight to value. In this session, learn how AI can transform the path to the “Aha” moment by personalizing journeys, guiding next best actions, and eliminating unnecessary steps. Learn how to reimagine onboarding not as a checklist, but as a dynamic, intelligent experience that adapts to each user—boosting activation, adoption, and retention from day one.

Notes

We’re heading to a world (but not there yet) where onboarding never stops improving:

• AI agents that act on a user's behalf
• Fully autonomous onboarding
• Ai-drive continuous experimentation + optimization

Optimizing onboarding to get people to the Aha moment is critical.

Aha moment

The point in a user’s journey when they first experience the core value of a product — when something clicks and they realize, “This is what I needed!” or “I get it now!”. It's the emotional and cognitive trigger that transforms curiosity into conviction.

Energy for the user to move forward and continue using the product.

Examples:

• Spotify users hit the Aha moment when they get a personalized playlist.
• Duolingo - complete exercises to the ability to construct a few sentences
• Venmo - ability to split a bill with a friend

Increased task completion, higher product adoption, and long-term NRR