What is User Flow
Designing pages for websites and applications doesn't always produce the best results. The design process separates look, feel and process from what the user is trying to accomplish. A different approach to this is to design for user flows and focus on what the user needs to get done and how to deliver that in the most effective manner possible. This should lead to better user experiences as it places the user at the heart of the design process.
People are hard wired to recognize patterns, even when there are none. It's the same reason that we often think we know where to click when first experiencing a website and then get frustrated if things aren't where we think they should be. Choosing the right user interface design pattern is crucial to taking advantage of this natural pattern spotting.
User interface design patterns are the way we structure and order things to make powerful user experiences. Structure and order are also a user's best friends, and along with the fact that old habits die hard, it is essential that we consider user interfaces very carefully before we set the final design in stone. Products should consist of such good interactions that users don't even notice how they got from point A to point B. Failing to do so can lead to user interfaces that are difficult or confusing to use, requiring the user to spend an unreasonable amount of time decoding the display. Just a few seconds too many can be too much.
By working with User flows, the focus is on the experience and needs of the user not the small design details on the screens. A flow presents an overall picture and gives an opportunity to create a more seamless user experience. Some flow highlights are entries and exits, how the system acts and its connection with the users interactions. A flow also shows the number of decision points, which is where the user needs to do an active choice. Design the experience not the looks.
User flow is a perfect tool to document the design process and the work user interactions points. When we go back to a project, it is easier to remember how and why some decisions were made. It is also a good way of collaborate in a team, to communicate the design with developers, project managers or if other designers are joining the project. Communication is key to a great product. During a workshop User flow ise an effective tool to work with. The workshop participants can discuss and quickly develop and test new flows.
User flows try to figure out how the user will interact with the solution. It is worth it to create user flows during the design process. This will ensure that final solution will have better UX.