Learning About Task Flows

Since deciding that I want to create a user flow diagram, I needed to learn about how they work.

I purchased “A Project Guide to UX Design” to read a chapter for IXD302, however, I knew that there would be much more valuable information in the book.

Right now, the perfect chapter for me to read was chapter 11:

Site Maps and Task Flows.

This chapter taught me a lot about task flow diagrams, when to use them, and how to use them.

The beginning of the chapter describes that “Site maps help to identify the structure of websites and applications. They can show hierarchies and connections that allow your audience to gain an understanding of where users may locate content.”

From here, I learnt straight away what site maps are used for, but I needed to know how to make them.

The chapter goes on to describe different types of task flow diagrams and site maps, as well as the common mistakes that are made when creating them.

Page 231 is where I really began to learn about how to make a task flow diagram, and how each different shape represents a different action.

To create an effective task flow map, you need to understand the user’s objective.

I can do this seeing as I have already conducted my user research and made user personas.

After reading through this chapter – I feel well equipped going into the making of my task flow diagram.