User flow and task flow explained

Creation of a user flow

Contents

• What is a user Flow?
• Why user Flow is important?
• What is Task flow?
• Task flow vs User Flow
• Example of a user flow
• How to create a user flow?

What is a user flow?

• A user flow is a series of steps a user takes to accomplish a significant goal.
• In simpler terms, this is mapping out all the possible options a user could take from beginning to end.
• Consider who uses the product when thinking about user flow. What is the main objective? What steps must the user take to reach their objective?
• In other words, What do they see? What do they do? What do they see next? What the Do next?

Why user flow is important?

• Understanding user flow is helpful in understanding how users interact with a product. It’s important to understand how the user approaches completing the goal or task in order to design a simple and effective flow for them.
• We can identify trouble areas and eliminate extra steps while mapping the user flow to give users the quickest path to achieve their goal.
• It is useful for more than just designing screens; it also facilitates communicating and explaining to product managers, developers, and all other stakeholders the user experience that lies behind the product.

How to create a user flow?

Step 1: Define the task flow

Okay, so what exactly is the task flow?

• Task flows are typically linear and represent the high-level actions that a user would take to arrive at a particular objective or endpoint.
• Task flows are straightforward, have only one path, and don’t include any branches.
• The steps necessary to complete a task or goal are only shown in the task flow. It excludes the user’s choices and activities.

Task flow vs User flow

• Task flow focuses on a single task, While user flow focuses on the specific user journey.
• Task flow does not include user action and their decision while User flow defines all the user actions and decisions.
• Task flow is a linear path and it has no alternative path. User flow is complex and it has alternate paths to reach the specific goal or an endpoint.

Example of Task flow and User flow

Let’s look at the user flow building components before moving on to an example.

For a clearer understanding, let’s use a simple example: Consider that we want to make instant coffee.

Task flow for making coffee

User flow for making coffee

Okay, let’s get started on an actual simple user flow

Task: Signup flow for the grocery shopping app

Steps to consider before mapping the user flow:

• Define the user & their pain
• Brainstorm & Ideate
• Start creating the User flow

Who is the user, and what is their pain point?

User: Major users of grocery shopping apps are in the 22–35 age group

Pain points they might face:

• Trouble receiving OTP
• Problems with email signup

Brainstorm & Ideate:

Creation of user flow:

This is simply a very basic user flow to help you understand. Please share your opinions and any questions you may have in the comments. I appreciate your time.