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.