My UX Toolkit: User Flows
My UX Toolkit is a series of posts exploring different tools and techniques used in the user experience design and research process, my understanding of them, and when they can be applied. UX is a broad and varied space that can range from quantitative statistical analysis to graphic design, from branding and content strategy to storyboarding. Here I am trying to scratch the surface of how UXers UX, share my knowledge and further my own understanding of this vast career field.
User Flows
In UX design, a user flow is a flow chart or diagram that maps out the path a user takes when interacting with a product. It can be a total overview of all the ways a user can interact within the system or how they can accomplish a specific task, but unlike a simple task flow chart they take into consideration decision points in the process. In the UX double diamond method user flows are usually a part of the ideation phase, after research has been conducted and synthesized. This underrated tool is helpful both in designing a product from scratch and when addressing issues with existing products such as low conversion rates.
When designing a new website or app, user flows can help to identify how users will move through the product before it is built. Creating a user flow before wireframing is useful to help identify which screens will need to be made and what features or options they will require. It is also a great way to communicate to other team members how the product is intended to work.
Creating a wireflow of an existing product helps designers to better understand how users interact with the product, and can illuminate the culprit behind low conversion rates or high bounce rates. By mapping the product out into a simple flow chart you are able to evaluate the logic of the sequential steps and analyze issues where you see users stalling or bouncing.
A simple version of a user flow can be a bulleted list, but generally they take the form of a flow chart. There are usually 3 or 4 different types of actions that are represented in a user flow, all indicated by a different element. The steps include entry/exit, actions, and decision. Sometimes a 4th element is included to indicate which screen the user is interacting with, which can be represented by either a simple distinct shape or a wireframe. The other elements used in user flows are arrows indicating where the previous action leads and yes or no text indicating the user's choice at a decision point.
User flows are often overlooked in the UX process, but they can be a valuable tool in the arsenal. When designers take the time during their ideation process to map out the steps a user takes to move through a product they will save themselves time later when designing wireframes and figuring out how they work together.
