If you’re new to creating user flows, looking at some user flow examples is a great way to get a feel for what they look like, what kinds of information they include, and how you might go about mapping out your own user flow.
Below are some examples, created with Flowstep, for a variety of common user flows you might encounter. Use them as a jumping-off point for creating your own user flow diagrams.
Simple Login User Flow Example
In this user flow example for a simple login flow, we have a limited number of steps included. Users enter the flow through a login form, where they enter their credentials. If they enter the wrong credentials, they’re prompted to enter the credentials again. If they forgot their password, they’re sent to a separate password recovery sub-flow.
If the credentials entered are valid, visitors are then sent to the app dashboard in a logged-in state. There’s also a step for a session timeout if the user leaves their dashboard inactive for too long.
Ebook Purchase User Flow Example
In this ebook purchase user flow example, the user starts by browsing the available content and making a selection. They can then add the selection to their shopping cart, which prompts them to either save the cart and continue shopping or to begin the checkout process. The checkout process includes an option for a gift purchase and steps to enter payment and delivery information.
This particular user flow example also includes steps after the purchase is made for the user to select the format they want their ebook delivered in and the process for downloading their purchased content. Some designers might opt to split this flow into multiple smaller user flows (one for browsing content, one for making the purchase, and one for downloading the content), but including it all in one gives a more holistic view.
Fitness App Onboarding User Flow Example
Adoption of new apps can be challenging. An app that never gets used will eventually be deleted. That’s why the onboarding process for new users is so important. This particular app onboarding user flow example is for a fitness app. It goes one step further than just asking users to set up a basic account and profile; it also asks them to set their first fitness goal.
User onboarding is one of the most important parts of any new app, so taking time to map out the initial user flow for new users is vital to creating a successful app.
Registration Process User Flow Example
User registration is an important part of many apps and websites, from e-commerce sites to habit tracking apps to online games. Registration generally allows users to save their information for later, make purchases faster, and unlock other key perks. That’s why it’s so important to successfully map the registration user flow.
This one is pretty simple: it includes a basic registration form where users sign up, as well as an authorization step to make sure that users are creating accounts with valid email addresses. After all, otherwise users could use a fake email, which could make recovering their account later impossible (if they forget their password, for example). It also limits the ability of the product to share news, special offers, and other communications with the user.
This particular user flow example also highlights a variety of potential stumbling blocks users might encounter, such as not receiving their verification email or entering mismatched passwords in the confirmation field, and what path they’ll take to resolve the issue.
Forgot Password User Flow Example
Forgetting your password is a huge pain for most users. But considering how many accounts the average person has, it’s no surprise that passwords get forgotten. Mapping out the password recovery user flow is an important part of designing any website or app that requires an account.
This particular user flow example includes a step for users to set up an account if the email they enter to recover their password doesn’t have an account associated with it—a nice step for increasing signups for an app. Beyond that, it includes the steps you’d expect: a recovery email being sent with a link to reset the password, screens to enter a new password, and what happens if there are issues with the new password.
Customer Support User Flow Example
Sooner or later, you’re going to have users who need to contact customer support. Even the best-designed apps with well-written documentation and a robust knowledge base will have users who just need some additional help or have questions about a unique use case. Mapping out the customer support user flow is important to making sure the process goes smoothly for your user.
This user flow example takes into account whether a user needs to log in to contact support, selecting a category for the type of support they need, uploading and validating attachments, and submitting their ticket. Some designers might choose to map further into the support process, including how a customer support rep would address the ticket, but this is a good starting point.
Account Cancellation User Flow Example
Not every user is going to use your product forever. Eventually, some of them will want to cancel their account. And while it can feel tempting to make that process difficult, you’re more like to have them return as users later (or recommend your product to people they know) if you make the cancellation process simple.
In this user flow example, the user is asked for their reason for cancelling, given the option to download their data prior to canceling, and to confirm that they want to cancel and delete their account. It also shows what happens if something goes wrong, leading them to create a customer support ticket.
Regardless of what kind of user flow you’re creating, looking at some examples of similar flows is a good way to get some inspiration and see where you might be overlooking things.