User Flow Basics
A user flow diagrams the journey a persona takes on your site/app to complete a key task. Flows make the user’s path visible so you can identify pain points and optimize the experience.
Types of user flows include:
- Happy path - the direct, ideal steps for a user
- Exception flow - alternate paths when errors or issues occur
- Accessibility flow - routes for users with disabilities
User flows differ from sitemaps, user stories, and wireframes:
- Sitemaps show all pages on a site
- User stories describe tasks from a user’s perspective
- Wireframes visualize page layout and content
Tools for Creating User Flows
Whimsical, Figma, Miro, and Lucidchart are excellent user flow software options. Key features like sticky notes, connectors, templates, and libraries streamline the process.
Whimsical stands out for its ease of use, massive library of flow chart shapes, and ability to export as a PDF. Figma offers real-time collaboration and design functionality beyond flows. Miro enables workshops and design sprints centered around flows. Lucidchart integrates with popular apps like Jira.
Evaluate your team’s preferences and needs before choosing a tool.
Advanced User Flow Concepts
For complex projects, go beyond basic flows to provide even more value.
Mapping Complex Journeys
Combine multiple interconnected flows to showcase intricate journeys with various branches and loops. This technique is common on enterprise ecommerce sites and apps.
Best Practices for Enterprise Products
Allow for conditional steps, alternate paths, and exceptions to represent real-world complexity. Enable searchability for flows with tons of steps. Embrace modularity for easier maintenance.
Integrating User Flows with Prototypes
Link user flows to prototypes to see how they perform when brought to life. This helps identify usability issues early on.
Validating user flows with target users via interviews, surveys and usability testing is key before moving forward with UI design. User flows evolve over time so view them as living documents open to refinement.
Internalizing user flows results in more intuitive products that solve real problems for customers. Now you have a solid grasp of user flow fundamentals to level up your UX design skills.
