Task Flow Vs. User Flow: Navigating the User Experience Maze

What Is a Task Flow?

A task flow is a visual diagram that represents the sequential, specific steps a user takes to accomplish a particular goal within a product. It is typically linear and straightforward, showing only the necessary actions from start to finish without branching paths or decision points. Task flows focus on high-level tasks and are designed to ensure that the process is thoroughly mapped out, making them an essential tool for understanding and optimizing the user’s journey through a specific task.

Example of Task Flows

There are multiple instances of task flows in our daily interactions with digital user interfaces.

Let’s take the straightforward process of updating a profile picture on a social media app as an example. Here are the task flow steps that a typical user will take:

• Navigate to the profile settings in the applications.
• Click on the option to edit or change the profile picture.
• Browse and choose a new photo.
• Adjust and crop the photos to fit the required dimensions of the app.
• Confirm changes and update the profile picture.

Despite being straightforward, the process still takes multiple interactions for the user to complete the task. Some even think of task flow diagrams as the DNA of content experience. You can find a task flow diagram of the example below.

Limitations

Even though task flows help UX designers understand the specific steps users take to complete certain tasks and how the items in the diagrams are related to one another, they hold limitations.

As an ideal picture of user choices, task flows are static. They assume all users behave identically. Despite the disadvantages, task flows are important starting points for designing complex user flows.

What Is a User Flow?

It is defined as a visual diagram that maps out the different paths a user can take to achieve a specific goal within a product, such as a website or app. It starts from the user’s entry point and ends with the final action, representing each step or decision along the way. Each step in the user’s journey is represented by nodes in the flowchart, with different shapes indicating different types of actions or decisions. For example, a rectangle might represent a task like “Login,” while a diamond indicates a decision point with branches for “Yes” and “No” outcomes. User flows help designers optimize the user experience by ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and intuitively.

Example of User Flows

Mapping out user flows helps designers understand user’s pain points and needs. Here’s a breakdown of a basic user flow for logging in or registering on a platform:

• The user opens an app or website.
• Decision: Is the user new or returning?
• If the user is new, redirect them to the registration process.
• If it’s a returning user, redirect to the login screen.

For new users: Registration process

• Click the “Register” or “Sign up” button
• Fill in personal information (username, password, email)
• Review and accept the terms and conditions
• Submit registration form
• Receives a confirmation email or text that the account’s been created

For returning users: The login process

• Select the login or sign-in button
• Entering the user’s credentials (e.g., user name and password)
• Select submit or log in.
• Redirect to the main dashboard or homepage

You can find a visual representation of this instance below:

Limitations

Despite its ability to showcase the user’s journey, it isn’t always the best choice. It is a great tool for gaining insight into a single user’s experience, but it’s not effective in researching a group’s user experience. Additionally, creating user flows is quite time-consuming and requires critical thinking skills through the lens of your user. For large and complicated projects, it can be difficult to create and manage.

Importance of Task Flows

• Showcasing a high-level map of user actions to complete specific tasks
• A clear visualization of how the project works
• A great UX design starting point for team members
• Task flow focuses on defining a specific user path
• Identifying any points of potential confusion and frustration

Importance of User Flows

• User flow diagrams help map out the entire user journey and identify the user’s needs, goals and pain points. In other words, it is a tool to turn user’s needs and goals into clear steps and processes.
• They are also useful in communicating and validating design ideas with stakeholders.
• Test a variety of different design solutions
• Measure the design’s effectiveness
• Validate your design decisions
• Obtain helpful feedback