What is a User Flow Chart?
A user flow chart is a visual representation of the steps a user takes to complete a specific task on a website, app, or other digital product. It shows the different screens, interactions, and decisions that a user makes along the way.
What are the Benefits of User Flow Charts?
User flow charts have several benefits, including:
- Improving Usability: User flow charts can help identify potential obstacles or confusion in a user's journey and help designers optimize the experience for better usability.
- Streamlining Development: By mapping out the user's journey, designers and developers can more easily collaborate and ensure a smooth development process.
- Enhancing Communication: User flow charts can help teams communicate more clearly about the design and development process, making it easier to share ideas and feedback.
- Saving Time and Money: By catching potential issues early in the design process, user flow charts can save time and money on costly redesigns later on.
What is Included in a User Flow Chart?
User flow charts typically include the following elements:
- Entry Point: This is where the user begins the journey, such as a landing page or home screen.
- Steps: These are the different screens or interactions the user goes through to complete the task.
- Decision Points: These are the points where the user must make a decision, such as selecting a product or choosing between different options.
- Exit Points: This is where the user completes the task or exits the flow.
How are User Flow Charts Best Used?
User flow charts are best used early in the design process to help teams understand the user's journey and identify potential issues or opportunities for improvement. They can also be used throughout the development process to ensure the final product meets the user's needs and expectations.
5 Steps to Creating a User Flow Chart
1
User Lands on the Website’s Home Page
The user finds your website via a referral or a search engine.
2
User Clicks Call to Action and Starts their Free Trial
Now the user has demonstrated interested in your product, they have decided they want to learn more
3
User Goes to their Account Dashboard
at this point the user is beginning to navigate their account and discover what features your product has to offer.
4
User Goes to the Purchase Page to View Pricing
The user has now decided this program is something they want, so they head to view their options for purchasing
5
User Goes to Payment Page and Makes Purchase
The user has accepted your price points and is now moving forward with the payment process
Frequently Asked Questions About User Flow Charts
Who creates user flow charts?
User flow charts are typically created by UX designers, UI designers, or product managers.
How detailed should a user flow chart be?
The level of detail in a user flow chart will depend on the complexity of the task and the needs of the team. Some user flow charts may be high-level and show only the major steps, while others may be more detailed and include every interaction and decision point.
How often should user flow charts be updated?
User flow charts should be updated as needed throughout the design and development process. As the product evolves and new features are added, the user flow chart may need to be revised to reflect these changes.
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