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Introduction to user flows

Mar 24, 2025

Lecture Notes: Understanding User Flows in UX Design

Introduction

  • Presenter: Karen
  • Topic: Use of user research in the design process and creation of user flows.
  • Context: Understanding user behavior is crucial in UX design for creating effective user flows.

Key Concepts

Utilizing User Information

  • Designers use user research to anticipate user needs.
  • Analogy: Knowing a sibling who loves the outdoors but forgets sunscreen; anticipating needs in advance.
  • Anticipation of needs helps in designing a seamless user experience.

Understanding User Flow

  • Definition: Path a typical user takes on an app/website to complete a task.
  • Purpose:
    • Map user goal achievement through a product.
    • Provide a clear overview of product functionality before design commencement.
  • Components:
    • Does not include final polished content.
    • Composed of shapes representing interactions.

Shapes in User Flow

  • Circles: Actions users take.
  • Rectangles: Screens experienced by users.
  • Diamonds: Decisions users make affecting their path.
  • Lines: Directions based on user decisions.
  • Familiarity from flow charts.

Practical Application: Dog Walking App

Example User Flow

  1. Opening the App (Circle):
    • User opens the app.
  2. Homepage (Rectangle):
    • Line to move forward to homepage.
  3. Browsing Dog Walkers (Circle):
    • User action to browse dog walkers.
  4. List of Dog Walkers (Rectangle):
    • Screen presenting available dog walkers.
  5. Selecting a Dog Walker (Circle):
    • Action of selecting a dog walker.
  6. Dog Walker Profile (Rectangle):
    • Screen showing the dog walker's profile.
  7. Decision to Book (Diamond):
    • User decides if they want to book.
    • Yes: Moves to appointment confirmation.
    • No: Returns to dog walker profile.
  8. Appointment Confirmation (Rectangle):
    • Completes the user flow.

Conclusion

  • Next Steps: Continue learning about creating user flows for own projects.
  • Objective: To enable effective mapping of user interactions in a product design.