In general user flow is an algorithm of user’s interactions with applications. It’s a way from opening the app to the final step in its usage. But you shouldn’t confuse it with a customer journey map.

One more advantage of user flow is the ability to present the app not only from the visual part, but from the functional too. 

So your clients or teammates may visualize the user’s way from the beginning to the end.

Components of user flow

In some cases, user flow can be called flowcharts because they consist of diagrams with information about the user.

First point is where the user enters the app, usually it is the homepage, onboarding screen, log in screen, etc. 

• A user flow is a diagram connected by nodes that represent the user’s touches on the screen.
• Each node has a different style to identify the process that it means. 

This classification helps designers to orient in flow more quickly.

Task, wire and user flows. What’s the difference?

• User flow is a mix of task and wire flows. 

So let’s explore task flows. 

Task flow represents the user’s way through the app by completing some tasks and getting results. But task flow expects only one result suitable for all users. 

What about wire flows? 

Wire flows are about components and info just on one screen. They don’t have the possibility to get nodes between screens. They are just about user experience on one page. 

Unlike the previous two, user flow offers various schemes that originate in different points.

So, for great UX you should include making user flows to your research process. 

It will help you to understand the user’s way through the app and better communicate with your team and clients.

Author Yara Volynska

llustrations by Kateryna Prynada

The article based on materials:

Wireflows: Wireframe flow visualization for apps and webpages

What are User Flows in User Experience (UX) Design?

Task flows for UX designers