Glossary
User flow
What is a user flow?
A user flow describes interactions through which a person can accomplish a task. A diagram often shows steps, decisions, system responses, and alternative paths.
How it works
A flow can include the typical route, errors, exits, and recovery. Common notation uses boxes for steps, diamonds for decisions, and arrows for transitions. State the scope instead of assuming the drawing covers every possible action.
Complex flows can be split into smaller ones to keep them readable. The diagram helps identify missing steps, but the implemented product still needs to be checked.
Example
A password-reset flow could show: Request reset → Receive link → Check link → Set replacement password → Confirmation.
A branch for an expired link could lead to requesting a new one. A rejected password could lead to an explanation and another attempt. Defining those routes makes missing recovery steps easier to notice. Security requirements also need to be considered.
User flows and task flows
A simple task flow often emphasizes a main sequence; a user flow may show more decisions and alternatives. Terminology varies, so explain what the particular diagram includes.
Why it matters
A user flow gives the team something concrete to review before and during implementation. Tests and direct checks then establish whether those paths actually work.