Task flow vs user flow (illustrated by guided tour examples)

Both task flow and user flow refer to UX diagrams. And this fact makes them ideal for causing confusion.

These diagrams help designers reduce the cognitive burden by breaking down complex tasks within an interface into simpler steps.

To shed light on user flow vs task flow, let's delve into these confusing terms and clarify things once and for all.

Is task flow the same as user flow?

No, task flow focuses on a linear path (i.e. from an already established user decision to the desired destination), while user flow explores a dynamic path showcasing all possible steps users might take while navigating an app or website.

In simpler terms, task flow is a UX diagram that tends to be simple. It showcases specific steps that will lead to only one destination (not more than that).

User flow is a dynamic diagram. It aims to make users’ lives easier, identifying and removing unnecessary steps they may take when navigating a website or app.

So, what is the difference between user flow and task flow?

Task flows can be a part of a user flow, whereas user flows cannot.

These UX flows effectively convey the product's flow to stakeholders, offering a clear overview of how the interface functions. And solve real users' pain points, whether they use website, app, product or service.

It’s all about optimizing user paths and eliminating labyrinthine processes from the user's standpoint.

Let me explain all this using real-world and UX design examples.

Task flow vs user flow examples (in everyday scenario)

Task flow is like a guiding tour. It outlines the steps and actions needed to complete to reach the final tour’s location.

A task flow example is when a tour guide manages a tour’s layout.

User flow is more like finding a tour. So, a tour guide is unsure about the tour’s itinerary from the start.

Let’s first start with an example of task flow in real world scenario.

Task flow example: guiding a tour

Here is a task flow for guiding a tour:

In this example, a tour guide had a strong understanding of tour’s layout and final location right from the beginning.

The path was linear and predictable. And decision points were straightforward throughout the whole journey.

Now let’s see the example of user flow.

User flow example: finding a tour

Here is a user flow for finding a tour:

In this user flow example, the decision points weren't as clear-cut, were they? That’s why the user flow diagram focuses on a higher number of paths users might take before coming to a desired destination.

The paths was therefore, dynamic and unpredictable.

Now, let's delve into examples of UX flows in design.

Task flow diagram example in UX design

Here is a simple task flow chart in UX design:

Here is a very simple task for a user: Start activity on Strava app

Compared to user flows, task flows are suitable when the task is performed similarly by all users and involves a shared starting point.

For example, in Strava fitness app, a task such as 'Record Activity'  is likely to be performed in the same way by all users. It only depends on what type of activity they want, but the user pathway is pretty linear.

So, to finish this action, users must head to the Strava app and:

1. Tap the “Record” button.

2. Select the “Activity” icon.

3. After the second step is complete, tap the “START” button.

Users are ready now.

And here is the task flow chart for this particular instance:

User flow diagram example in UX design

Here is a simple user flow chart in UX design:

And here is a very simple task for a user: Download the Uber app.

Head to the Google Play store and:

1. Tap the Google Play icon
2. Select the Uber icon
3. Tap INSTALL
4. After app installation is complete, tap OPEN.
5. In the Uber app, tap SIGN IN if you have an account or tap REGISTER to create one.

And here is the very simple user flow chart for this case:

If, after going through these examples, you still hesitate what each of these UX flows stand for, here is a short reminder:

What is a user flow?

User flow (i.e., user journey mapping) is a clear diagram that showcases different and unpredictable steps users might take while navigating a website or app.

So, each step of the user’s journey is carefully examined.

What is a task flow?

Task flow (i.e., linear user pathway) is a simple diagram that showcases the user's journey from the start to a specific destination without any turnarounds.

Now, let’s see what the best practices are regarding a UX flow diagram.

How to create UX flows and what exactly to avoid

Mastering user flows in UX design requires several steps.

For the best UX results, we recommend working through the following checklist explained through one particular example - the CarGo app.

1. Dive into users research

A successful UX analysis leads to actionable tweaks for improving the overall user experience. But before that, designers and developers must conduct user research.

Think about who your users are, develop deep understanding of customer needs and create a customer persona. Your initial research can yield thousands of new user experience ideas.

In this step, design cycle can help.

To understand a customer persona (i.e., a buyer persona)—and how this model embodies the characteristics of a significant portion of your audience to help you guide product design—you need to do the quantitative research.

These methods are useful when developing these personas:

• customer interviews
• focus groups
• surveys
• customer feedback

If you want to expand your knowledge, check out the article about UX design fundamentals, as well as us user research and testing.

Also, research is usually prompted by negative feedback, such as bad app store reviews or poor results from usability testing.

Therefore, ask yourself who the user is?

In the CarGo example, let’s say the user will be people in the 18-to-80 year old age group, who are the primary users.

Some pain points they might face:

• Trouble receiving the CarGo driver on time
• Issues with signup process (older people)
• Issues with determining the exact location

So, a UX analysis and better-constructed user flow will help identify solutions for creating a better user journey.

2. Brainstorm around particular user's objective

Understanding the user's approach to accomplishing the goal or task is crucial to crafting an efficient design flow. By pinpointing problem areas, UX/UI designers can provide users with the most direct path.

Here is when the CarGo team should empathize with both users and drivers.

The CarGo app, for instance, failed to determine the exact user location because of the different  terrain heights.

The bottom line is that riders need to find a better way to go from point A to point B.

So, how UX designers and developers can solve this issue and provide a better user experience?

Here is what the brainstorm session between a design team should look like:

1. The first improvement in the app should be focused on providing better app's GPS algorithm. This includes terrain elevation data when determining the user's location.
2. The user experience might be better if the app can provide more accurate location readings in areas with different types of terrain.
3. Plus, we can give users the option of an offline mode feature which would allow users to pre-download terrain data for specific regions. This cached data can be used to improve location accuracy when users are in areas with limited or no network connectivity. And help them avoid frustration and long waiting times.

A user feedback mechanism within the app to gather insights from users when location accuracy issues occur is also important.

This feedback can help identify specific areas or scenarios where the app struggles to determine accurate locations based on terrain.

3. Reduce the number of steps

UX/UI designers should eliminate unnecessary steps to build trust, limit confusion and keep the user interface clean.

Users might feel frustrated when they have to fill in extensive information before finally being able to start using a CarGo app.

The lengthy process of providing specific details before creating an account can delay users from accessing their desired destination within the app.

The worst-case scenario is that they can leave the app.

Therefore, designers should reduce the data entry required from users (e.g., use smart defaults, auto-fill options, and pre-populated fields) to minimize users input and help them navigate UI faster.

You may also find it helpful to build your design knowledge by exploring UX design fundamentals.

4. Test and Refine

Usability testing proves that the features that have been improved are working as they should.

Before you launch your site or app, consider A/B testing. Also, record live feedback from users as they interact with your site or product.

Then, make adjustments based on the results and test again.

Your design must help people, so ensure it evolves and it doesn't stagnate for too long.

Benefits of task flows and user flows

Designers can prioritize essential user interactions and streamline workflows, ensuring that the interface remains intuitive and user-friendly.

Here is how both task flow and user flow help designers:

• Maximize usability: Users can easily complete tasks if designers reduce the cognitive overload in UX
• Overcome confusion: Users might miss important details if designers don’t eliminate extraneous information
• Prioritize visual hierarchy: Designers can minimize visual clutter and keep consistency in design elements
• Implement useful features: UX experts can predict user input and auto-complete forms with task flows and user flows
• Provide useful instructions: Designers can identify key areas for expressing only necessary information

UX researchers and designers ensure that users can navigate through various screens or pages by offering clear pathways and logical sequences of actions.

So, task flow and user flows help designers to define each task that should contribute directly to the overall goal—reflecting the natural flow of the design process.

Conclusion

Task flow vs user flow confusion is now a thing of the past.

By committing to UX flow diagrams that visually represent users' pathways—those you want to serve, help, or make their lives easier—you ensure that they feel validated.

Be sure to reflect on the user flow diagram examples provided here before creating a user journey map!