Nathan J. Powell
@nathanjpowell.bsky.social
Exited my SaaS in 2019 and quit the internet. Three years later, I came back from the dead. Running Beyond the Pixel, UX Design Studio.
Be green. Use our plastic cups.
Small print on cup reads, “May not be recyclable in your country.”
Small print on cup reads, “May not be recyclable in your country.”
March 11, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Be green. Use our plastic cups.
Small print on cup reads, “May not be recyclable in your country.”
Small print on cup reads, “May not be recyclable in your country.”
Instant inline validation is a source of pressure and frustration for new users. Give them time before you pounce!
It's also a pet peeve :(
It's also a pet peeve :(
February 17, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Instant inline validation is a source of pressure and frustration for new users. Give them time before you pounce!
It's also a pet peeve :(
It's also a pet peeve :(
So, talking about your work does...work.
Yesterday, I announced on 3 platforms that I rarely engage with that I'd launched a newsletter. I've already had several people subscribe 😀
In case you missed it:
Yesterday, I announced on 3 platforms that I rarely engage with that I'd launched a newsletter. I've already had several people subscribe 😀
In case you missed it:
The Onboarding and UX Newsletter for SaaS Founders
The free newsletter for SaaS founders: Fix onboarding, activation, retention, and beyond. Battle-tested solutions each week.
buff.ly
February 14, 2025 at 4:27 PM
So, talking about your work does...work.
Yesterday, I announced on 3 platforms that I rarely engage with that I'd launched a newsletter. I've already had several people subscribe 😀
In case you missed it:
Yesterday, I announced on 3 platforms that I rarely engage with that I'd launched a newsletter. I've already had several people subscribe 😀
In case you missed it:
They say better late than never—so here we are! I’m launching a newsletter for SaaS founders about the dark art of Onboarding and the critical first few minutes of a new user’s journey.
Practical advice and zero design jargon—just clear, actionable insights you can use. Link below...
Practical advice and zero design jargon—just clear, actionable insights you can use. Link below...
The Onboarding and UX Newsletter for SaaS Founders
The free newsletter for SaaS founders: Fix onboarding, activation, retention, and beyond. Battle-tested solutions each week.
beyondthepixel.studio
February 13, 2025 at 4:27 PM
They say better late than never—so here we are! I’m launching a newsletter for SaaS founders about the dark art of Onboarding and the critical first few minutes of a new user’s journey.
Practical advice and zero design jargon—just clear, actionable insights you can use. Link below...
Practical advice and zero design jargon—just clear, actionable insights you can use. Link below...
When it comes to portfolio/studio websites, do you prefer photographic headshots to graphics?
My avatar is used throughout my website except for the About page. What do you prefer to see when potentially hiring a service provider?
My avatar is used throughout my website except for the About page. What do you prefer to see when potentially hiring a service provider?
January 27, 2025 at 11:59 AM
When it comes to portfolio/studio websites, do you prefer photographic headshots to graphics?
My avatar is used throughout my website except for the About page. What do you prefer to see when potentially hiring a service provider?
My avatar is used throughout my website except for the About page. What do you prefer to see when potentially hiring a service provider?
Whenever I look back at Feature Flux, I get a little sad. I think there was something in that idea. But I guess I wasn't able to articulate its value. 😞
Feature Flux: Get specific feedback on your product designs.
Product design presentations in minutes. Create multiple presentations from one design file, add custom prompts and get specific stakeholder feedback.
buff.ly
January 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Whenever I look back at Feature Flux, I get a little sad. I think there was something in that idea. But I guess I wasn't able to articulate its value. 😞
Why are there so few books about User Onboarding? Isn't it make or break for any SaaS product?
There seem to be 3 main options:
Product-Led Onboarding by Wes Bush and Ramli John
The Elements of User Onboarding by Samuel Hulick
Onboarding Matters by Donna Weber
There seem to be 3 main options:
Product-Led Onboarding by Wes Bush and Ramli John
The Elements of User Onboarding by Samuel Hulick
Onboarding Matters by Donna Weber
January 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Why are there so few books about User Onboarding? Isn't it make or break for any SaaS product?
There seem to be 3 main options:
Product-Led Onboarding by Wes Bush and Ramli John
The Elements of User Onboarding by Samuel Hulick
Onboarding Matters by Donna Weber
There seem to be 3 main options:
Product-Led Onboarding by Wes Bush and Ramli John
The Elements of User Onboarding by Samuel Hulick
Onboarding Matters by Donna Weber
An interesting take on the imminent death of SaaS as we know it, from Diego Menchaca.
How will founders build a moat around their product? Can they?
How will founders build a moat around their product? Can they?
AI will make closed source software obsolete
Generative AI is democratizing knowledge to the point were closed source software will become medieval. I may be wrong but here is my rant on why I think the days of closed source software are…
buff.ly
January 8, 2025 at 10:59 AM
An interesting take on the imminent death of SaaS as we know it, from Diego Menchaca.
How will founders build a moat around their product? Can they?
How will founders build a moat around their product? Can they?
In case you're still on the fence about the importance of User Onboarding:
60% of US enterprise software companies have a Customer Success team (up from 40% four years ago). However, 75% of those companies have seen their net revenue retention (NRR) rates drop since 2022...
60% of US enterprise software companies have a Customer Success team (up from 40% four years ago). However, 75% of those companies have seen their net revenue retention (NRR) rates drop since 2022...
December 18, 2024 at 4:27 PM
In case you're still on the fence about the importance of User Onboarding:
60% of US enterprise software companies have a Customer Success team (up from 40% four years ago). However, 75% of those companies have seen their net revenue retention (NRR) rates drop since 2022...
60% of US enterprise software companies have a Customer Success team (up from 40% four years ago). However, 75% of those companies have seen their net revenue retention (NRR) rates drop since 2022...
Ever heard of the ‘Interaction and Feedback loop?’
It’s about what users expect vs what actually happens during interactions.
Inconsistent loops? A fast way to lose user trust. Getting them right boosts retention and revenue.
It’s about what users expect vs what actually happens during interactions.
Inconsistent loops? A fast way to lose user trust. Getting them right boosts retention and revenue.
How Consistent Interaction and Feedback loops Improve Your SaaS
Inconsistent interaction and feedback loops hurt users' trust. Learn how consistent loops can improve your SaaS UX, reduce churn, and keep users happy.
buff.ly
December 18, 2024 at 10:59 AM
Ever heard of the ‘Interaction and Feedback loop?’
It’s about what users expect vs what actually happens during interactions.
Inconsistent loops? A fast way to lose user trust. Getting them right boosts retention and revenue.
It’s about what users expect vs what actually happens during interactions.
Inconsistent loops? A fast way to lose user trust. Getting them right boosts retention and revenue.
What was the last app you signed up for that left you thinking, "What now? What do I have to do?" You don't need to tag them, but I'd love to hear about it.
December 17, 2024 at 4:27 PM
What was the last app you signed up for that left you thinking, "What now? What do I have to do?" You don't need to tag them, but I'd love to hear about it.
So, I haven't put my prices up since forever, and let's face it, life has gotten expensive. On January 1st, I'll be increasing prices across the board.
When was the last time you increased your rates? How did it go?
When was the last time you increased your rates? How did it go?
December 16, 2024 at 10:59 AM
So, I haven't put my prices up since forever, and let's face it, life has gotten expensive. On January 1st, I'll be increasing prices across the board.
When was the last time you increased your rates? How did it go?
When was the last time you increased your rates? How did it go?
Old isn’t always good… although usually it is better 😅
December 14, 2024 at 2:26 PM
Old isn’t always good… although usually it is better 😅
I'm writing a post on Interaction and Feedback loops in SaaS. I'd like to recommend some solid design systems that are as future-proof as possible. Any suggestions?
December 12, 2024 at 4:27 PM
I'm writing a post on Interaction and Feedback loops in SaaS. I'd like to recommend some solid design systems that are as future-proof as possible. Any suggestions?
If you could watch an Onboarding Review/teardown of any SaaS, which would it be and why?
December 12, 2024 at 10:59 AM
If you could watch an Onboarding Review/teardown of any SaaS, which would it be and why?
SaaS founders battle with the concept of white space. I think there's a tendency to think of it as wasted real estate.
Does anyone have examples of good and/or poor use of whitespace in SaaS design?
👉 Here are my musings on the subject:
Does anyone have examples of good and/or poor use of whitespace in SaaS design?
👉 Here are my musings on the subject:
Whitespace and SaaS design: How to improve User Experience
Discover how whitespace improves SaaS design, enhances usability, and creates a better user experience with these simple, actionable tips.
buff.ly
December 6, 2024 at 4:27 PM
SaaS founders battle with the concept of white space. I think there's a tendency to think of it as wasted real estate.
Does anyone have examples of good and/or poor use of whitespace in SaaS design?
👉 Here are my musings on the subject:
Does anyone have examples of good and/or poor use of whitespace in SaaS design?
👉 Here are my musings on the subject:
It feels weird and at the same time, refreshing, to be on a social media platform (this one), where no one is trying to sell their services. At least, not yet.
December 3, 2024 at 5:34 PM
It feels weird and at the same time, refreshing, to be on a social media platform (this one), where no one is trying to sell their services. At least, not yet.
Your SaaS could probably learn a thing or two from newspapers. Strong hierarchy— clear fonts, consistent spacing, and smart layouts—can make all the difference.
Is your app guiding users or leaving them wondering what to do next? 🤔
#UXdesign #SaaSFounders
https://buff.ly/414jWIg
Is your app guiding users or leaving them wondering what to do next? 🤔
#UXdesign #SaaSFounders
https://buff.ly/414jWIg
December 2, 2024 at 3:46 PM
Your SaaS could probably learn a thing or two from newspapers. Strong hierarchy— clear fonts, consistent spacing, and smart layouts—can make all the difference.
Is your app guiding users or leaving them wondering what to do next? 🤔
#UXdesign #SaaSFounders
https://buff.ly/414jWIg
Is your app guiding users or leaving them wondering what to do next? 🤔
#UXdesign #SaaSFounders
https://buff.ly/414jWIg
Does your SaaS feel like a cluttered desk? Poor hierarchy could well be to blame.
Just as newspapers mastered the art of guiding readers’ eyes, your app needs to do the same. Typefaces, fonts, spacing, color, and structure all play a role. Founders, how does your app stack up?
Just as newspapers mastered the art of guiding readers’ eyes, your app needs to do the same. Typefaces, fonts, spacing, color, and structure all play a role. Founders, how does your app stack up?
November 29, 2024 at 4:27 PM
Does your SaaS feel like a cluttered desk? Poor hierarchy could well be to blame.
Just as newspapers mastered the art of guiding readers’ eyes, your app needs to do the same. Typefaces, fonts, spacing, color, and structure all play a role. Founders, how does your app stack up?
Just as newspapers mastered the art of guiding readers’ eyes, your app needs to do the same. Typefaces, fonts, spacing, color, and structure all play a role. Founders, how does your app stack up?
I just realized today was Black Friday. I guess not checking my email today was a good thing!
November 29, 2024 at 1:49 PM
I just realized today was Black Friday. I guess not checking my email today was a good thing!
Did you know I specialize in UX reviews for B2B SaaS? Did you also know that the majority fail to meet basic accessibility standards?
Poor design choices affect more than accessibility. They impact your MRR. Do you want your SaaS to be accessible to a larger audience?
https://buff.ly/4eE4NR7
Poor design choices affect more than accessibility. They impact your MRR. Do you want your SaaS to be accessible to a larger audience?
https://buff.ly/4eE4NR7
November 20, 2024 at 4:27 PM
Did you know I specialize in UX reviews for B2B SaaS? Did you also know that the majority fail to meet basic accessibility standards?
Poor design choices affect more than accessibility. They impact your MRR. Do you want your SaaS to be accessible to a larger audience?
https://buff.ly/4eE4NR7
Poor design choices affect more than accessibility. They impact your MRR. Do you want your SaaS to be accessible to a larger audience?
https://buff.ly/4eE4NR7
2.2 billion people have visual impairments—that’s a BIG number. Using low contrast ratios in your SaaS isn’t just a poor design choice; it’s a missed opportunity to serve a massive audience.
How would improving accessibility by just a few % impact your bottom line?
https://buff.ly/4eE4NR7
How would improving accessibility by just a few % impact your bottom line?
https://buff.ly/4eE4NR7
November 20, 2024 at 10:59 AM
2.2 billion people have visual impairments—that’s a BIG number. Using low contrast ratios in your SaaS isn’t just a poor design choice; it’s a missed opportunity to serve a massive audience.
How would improving accessibility by just a few % impact your bottom line?
https://buff.ly/4eE4NR7
How would improving accessibility by just a few % impact your bottom line?
https://buff.ly/4eE4NR7
Black Friday deals are already hitting my inbox. The nightmare begins. 😢
November 18, 2024 at 7:41 AM
Black Friday deals are already hitting my inbox. The nightmare begins. 😢
@sfioritto.bsky.social Hey Sean! Fancy seeing you here!
November 15, 2024 at 4:53 PM
@sfioritto.bsky.social Hey Sean! Fancy seeing you here!
How about we all boycott Black Friday this year?
If something is deemed valuable, shouldn't it be valuable all year? And if pricing is fair, shouldn't that also be fair all year?
Do we need continual prods to push us further down the road of consumerism?
If something is deemed valuable, shouldn't it be valuable all year? And if pricing is fair, shouldn't that also be fair all year?
Do we need continual prods to push us further down the road of consumerism?
November 15, 2024 at 8:16 AM
How about we all boycott Black Friday this year?
If something is deemed valuable, shouldn't it be valuable all year? And if pricing is fair, shouldn't that also be fair all year?
Do we need continual prods to push us further down the road of consumerism?
If something is deemed valuable, shouldn't it be valuable all year? And if pricing is fair, shouldn't that also be fair all year?
Do we need continual prods to push us further down the road of consumerism?