User Flow
01 Definition
User Flow meaning: A diagram of the steps and choices a person takes to reach a goal.
A user flow maps the path a person follows through a product to complete a goal, including screens, actions, and decision points. It shows branches and alternate routes, not just one straight line. It represents intended paths, so real behavior may differ and should be checked with analytics or testing.
Also called
Why it matters
How User Flow fits the work
Mapping flows helps teams spot unnecessary steps, dead ends, and missing paths before building, so the route to a goal stays as short and clear as possible.
In context
The user flow showed three ways to reach checkout, revealing that guest users hit an unnecessary account step that the team then removed.
Practical note
A user flow can cover several entry points and decisions, unlike a task flow's single path; keep it focused on one goal so the diagram stays readable.