user flow diagram
The User Flow Diagram is a pivotal tool for the UX Designer. This diagram illustrates a user's path while accomplishing the use case.
The User Flow Diagram has roots that traces back to the Unified Modeling Language (UML), a standardized method for diagramming software design.
The user flow diagram is typically comprised of the following simple shapes:
- rectangles representing screens or pages,
- bubbles representing actions or events triggered by the user,
- lines connect shapes to show the sequential order of user interactions,
- text labels provide context and information about each shape,
- arrows denoting the transitions or user actions, and
- diamonds indicating decision points or user choices.
The User Flow Diagram is a visual representation that helps designers and developers in the following ways:
- helps a person grasp the overall user experience,
- helps identify potential bottlenecks in the process, and
- helps to define and refine the system's navigation.
The User Flow Diagram also enhances communication among cross-functional teams by providing a clear visualization of the user's journey, and this visualization can become a shared language.
The User Flow Diagram also aids in identifying (a) gaps or (b) redundancies.