First I just want to say thank you for your blunt feedback on the sign up flow that I've implemented. Feedback like this is what helps me truly think critically about my assumptions and divert towards more logic-driven choices.
My hesitation for not implementing traditional "sign up" language in the sign up flow is most likely due to my over-emphasis on the personality of the product at the expense of usability. On the flip side, I hope that for at least some set of users they feel as if the product is leading them on a fun adventure.
That said, I like your suggestions. The path to a sign up would be abundantly clear. I'll have to experiment with more traditional language and examine the results.
My hesitation for not implementing traditional "sign up" language in the sign up flow is most likely due to my over-emphasis on the personality of the product at the expense of usability. On the flip side, I hope that for at least some set of users they feel as if the product is leading them on a fun adventure.
That said, I like your suggestions. The path to a sign up would be abundantly clear. I'll have to experiment with more traditional language and examine the results.