01 / THE IDEA
What does it mean?
A user flow shows how a person moves through steps and decisions in an interface to complete a goal. Its narrower scope makes it useful for planning interaction sequences and spotting dead ends. This differs from a broad journey map that can span channels and time.
02 / IN PRACTICE
Make it concrete.
Imagine drawing a password-reset flow from sign-in through verification and recovery. The map exposes an expired-link state with no way to try again.
03 / WHAT TO WATCH FOR
A common mistake.
Confusing the product's page hierarchy with the actual task path people need to complete.
04 / WHEN IT HELPS
When should you use it?
When planning a new interaction or investigating unnecessary steps within a task.
05 / WHY IT MATTERS
Why keep this thought?
A clear flow can reveal missing states before they become user problems.
06 / FURTHER READING
Explore the source.
Nielsen Norman Group — UX Maps: Glossary ↗An editorial interpretation of the linked source, not a direct quotation or endorsement.