How can you prioritize user flows for the best user experience?

1 Identify user goals

The first step to prioritize user flows is to identify the main goals that users have when they interact with your product. You can use various methods to gather user feedback, such as surveys, interviews, analytics, or user testing. You should aim to understand the user's motivations, pain points, and desired outcomes. Then, you can group the user goals into categories based on their importance, frequency, and complexity. For example, you can use a matrix to plot the user goals along two axes: how often they occur and how critical they are for the user's success.

2 Map out user flows

Once you have identified the user goals, you can map out the user flows that correspond to each goal. A user flow is a visual representation of the steps that users take to complete a task or achieve a goal. You can use tools like sketches, wireframes, or flowcharts to create user flows. You should include the following elements in your user flows: the starting point, the actions, the screens, the transitions, and the end point. You should also consider the different scenarios, variations, and branches that may occur along the user flow.

3 Evaluate user flows

After you have mapped out the user flows, you need to evaluate them to see how well they match the user goals and expectations. You can use various criteria to assess the quality of your user flows, such as usability, efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, and accessibility. You can also use methods like heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthrough, or user testing to identify any problems or gaps in your user flows. You should look for issues like unnecessary steps, confusing navigation, unclear feedback, or missing information.

4 Improve user flows

Based on the evaluation results, you can improve your user flows by making changes or additions that enhance the user experience. You can use techniques like prototyping, A/B testing, or iteration to test and refine your user flows. You should aim to make your user flows as simple, clear, and consistent as possible. You should also follow the best practices and principles of user interface design, such as visibility, affordance, feedback, and consistency.

5 Showcase user flows

The final step to prioritize user flows is to showcase them in your portfolio or presentation. You can use tools like screenshots, videos, or animations to demonstrate your user flows. You should also explain the rationale and process behind your user flows, such as the user goals, the research methods, the evaluation criteria, and the improvement techniques. You should highlight the benefits and value of your user flows for the users and the stakeholders. You should also be prepared to answer any questions or feedback that you may receive about your user flows.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?