Ensuring that users have a smooth, intuitive journey through your product is critical. If users struggle to find value or get blocked while navigating your product, they may abandon it quickly. This means high churn and low retention, and nobody wants that. One of the best ways to ensure a seamless user experience is creating well-crafted user flows. In this guide, we’ll explore what user flows are, how to create effective user flow wireframes, and share 15 examples.

What Is a User Flow?

A user flow is the path a user takes while navigating through a product or website to accomplish a specific goal. It outlines the steps and interactions a user experiences, from the entry point (e.g., landing page, app login) to the final action (e.g., completing a purchase, signing up, or reaching a specific feature). It visualizes the user journey from entry point to goal completion, highlighting the different decision points and interactions along the way. User flows help product managers, UX designers, and marketers see how users will navigate the product, ensuring the UX design aligns with user needs.

Why Should You Care About Your User Flow? 

A good user flow is crucial because it guides the UX design process, ensures a smooth user journey, improves user experience, and drives positive business outcomes. Here's a list of reasons why it matters:

• Improves User Experience: A clear user flow helps users easily achieve their goals, leading to higher user satisfaction.
• Streamlines Onboarding: Ensures new users quickly find value and become long-term customers.
• Boosts Conversion Rates: More optimal value discovery and higher user satisfaction leads to more purchases.  
• Reduces Friction: Prevents confusion and abandonment by minimizing roadblocks during the user journey.
• Enables Data-Driven Improvements: Identifies where users drop off, allowing for informed optimizations.
• Supports Business Goals: Aligns user actions with business objectives, maximizing revenue and engagement.

Key Elements of a User Flow

Whenever you visualize a good user flow, these are the must-have components.

• Entry Points: This is where the user flow begins, whether users are landing on your homepage, clicking an email link, or opening your app.
  
  
• Decision Points: These are the critical points where users need to make choices, such as signing up, logging in, or selecting between different features or paths.
  
  
• Actions and Interactions: These are the specific tasks users must complete, like creating an account, making a purchase, or setting up their profile.
  
  
• End Goal: The ultimate objective or action you are aiming to achieve with your UX design, like successfully completing onboarding, adopting a new feature, or subscribing to a paid plan.

How to Make a Great User Flow Diagram

To visualize your user flow, you need a user flow diagram. Also known as wireflow or a flowchart, user flow diagrams help you see how users navigate through your product. It helps identify entry points, key decision points, and how users move from one step to the next. A clear user flow diagram ensures a seamless user experience (UX) and makes it easier to identify where improvements can be made in the design process. Below are key steps to building an effective user flow diagram.

1. Define Your Objective

Start your wireflow with a clear goal for your UX design. What specific action do you want the user to complete? Whether it’s signing up for a free trial, making a purchase, or setting up a profile, the objective will guide the rest of the UX design process.

For example, if the goal is to get users through the onboarding, focus on how users first interact with your product, key features they need to discover, and how they ultimately get value from the experience.

2. Identify Entry Points

Next, determine where users are starting their journey on your flowchart. These entry points could be a landing page, a mobile app login screen, or an email link. Understanding where users enter the flow is important for optimizing the initial steps for maximum engagement. 

3. Map Out Key Steps and Decision Points

Once the entry points are identified, visualize the key steps users will take as they progress toward the end goal. Break down the process into specific actions users must complete, such as filling out forms, exploring product features, or interacting with tooltips.

Incorporate decision points where users might take different paths based on their actions. For instance, if users skip a certain onboarding step, what’s the next best action? Each decision point should be clearly mapped out to provide alternatives that guide users smoothly through the user flow.

4. Use Symbols and Visual Elements

A great user flow diagram should be easy to understand. Shapes are commonly used in flowcharts and wireframes to represent each step. Use arrows, shapes, and symbols to represent actions, decisions, and transitions between screens or sections.

For example:

• Circles can represent entry points and actions
• Rectangles can indicate key screens or pages.
• Diamonds are often used for decision points where the user makes a choice.
• Arrows guide the user from one step to the next.

5. Test and Refine the Flow

After building the initial user flow wireframe, it’s important to test it. Run through the process yourself and your team to ensure it feels intuitive. Are the interactions smooth? Are there unnecessary steps in the user's path? Look for areas where users may drop off and optimize the flow to reduce friction.

6. Implement Feedback

Once the user flow diagram has been tested, gather feedback from stakeholders or real users. This will help you refine the user journey, ensuring the user flow aligns with your customers' needs and expectations. Feedback might reveal missing steps, confusing paths, or areas where users need more guidance.

7. Use Tools for Building the Diagram

Instead of wrestling with a pen and paper, use a tool that will help you create wireframes to visualize the user journey. Several tools are available for building and refining user flow diagrams:

• Figma: Allows a generous free plan. Great for overall UX design needs. 
• Lucidchart: A popular tool for designing flowcharts with an intuitive interface.
• Sketch: A tool focused on prototyping wireframes for UX designers. 

15 User Flow Examples for Effective UX Design

Now that we've talked all about how to build a great user flow, let's actually look at some examples to give you a head start. Below are 9 distinct user flows that can be used to optimize user experiences and drive engagement. 

1. User Onboarding Flow

Onboarding is the most critical user flow in any SaaS product because it’s the first interaction new users have with your product. A well-designed onboarding process ensures that users quickly understand your product's value.

Example User Flow:

A new user signs up, triggering a user flow that starts with an introduction to the product’s main features. Through a series of UI elements like tooltips and checklists, users are guided through core functionalities. As the user completes each step, an onboarding checklist updates to reflect progress, leading them to their first “aha” moment.

2. Free Trial to Paid Conversion Flow

Transitioning users from a free trial to a paid subscription is key for SaaS companies. The user flow for this transition must highlight the value of the paid features while reducing any friction during the process.

Example User Flow:

At critical entry points during the trial, the user is introduced to premium features via in-app messages. As users engage with the product and try to click on key premium features, UI elements like tooltips and pop-ups can craft targeted messages, reminding of the value they could access and  encouraging them to upgrade. Based on personalized interactions with the user, the user flow can include special offers that entice them to convert. 

3. Feature Adoption Flow

Many users don’t explore all the features of a SaaS product unless nudged in the right direction. A well-designed user flow for feature adoption highlights underused functionalities to drive deeper engagement.

Example User Flow:

When a user logs in, they are presented with personalized in-app messages that suggest what other features the user may find useful based on their past behavior. The user journey  guides them through the necessary steps to explore these features. Tooltips or pop-ups ensure users easily grasp the functionality and value of the new features.

4. Customer Support Flow

Users often need assistance during their user journey, and an effective user flow for customer support ensures they find solutions quickly without getting frustrated.

Example User Flow:
A user encountering a problem can access a help button, which triggers a UI-friendly support widget. This includes self-serve options like a searchable FAQ and interactive troubleshooting guides. If the issue isn’t resolved, users can easily escalate to live chat or email support with a click of a button. 

5. Upsell and Cross-Sell Flow

Upselling and cross-selling opportunities need to be integrated into the user flow naturally. This encourages users to discover premium features and complementary products.

Example User Flow:

Based on user behavior, the user flow can place subtle in-app suggestions through tooltips or modals when users interact with specific features. The user flow diagram nudges them towards a premium plan or add-ons that enhance their experience. Each interaction is tracked to inform future recommendations.

6. Subscription Renewal Flow

Retaining customers is crucial for SaaS businesses. The user flow for subscription renewals should ensure users renew effortlessly while keeping churn low.

Example User Flow:

Before a subscription expires, the user flow initiates a sequence of UI reminders, such as modals or in-app alerts like banners, prompting users to update payment information or confirm renewal. A smooth user experience during the renewal process reduces friction and encourages long-term commitment.

7. Churn Prevention Flow

Preventing churn requires understanding why users leave and intervening before they make that decision. A user flow designed to combat churn can make all the difference.

Example User Flow:

As users show signs of disengagement—such as a drop in interaction—they receive proactive in-app reminders about the value of the product. So here you can implement tooltips that guide them back to underused features. When users try to cancel their plans, the user flow can give an option to contact support or receive a personalized offer to keep them subscribed. 

8. Login and Authentication Flow

The user flow for login and authentication is critical to the overall user experience. It needs to be secure, fast, and easy to use without causing frustration.

Example User Flow:

Upon reaching the login screen, users enter their credentials and are directed to the product dashboard. Multi-factor authentication can be added seamlessly to the user flow without disrupting the experience. If login fails, tooltips guide users to troubleshoot their credentials or reset passwords.

9. Feedback Collection Flow

Gathering feedback is crucial for improving the product and understanding user needs. A well-designed feedback flow encourages users to share their thoughts without interrupting their experience.

Example User Flow: 

After a user completes key actions (like using a feature or finishing a task), they are prompted with a subtle pop-up asking for feedback. The flow can include a quick rating system or an in-app survey, allowing users to give their input without leaving the app.

10. Feature Request Flow

Giving users a way to request features can boost engagement and show that their input is valued. A simple feature request flow makes this easy.

Example User Flow:

As users explore the product, a UI element like a floating button encourages them to request new features. The user flow directs them to a form where they can describe their request. This flow is integrated with a feedback loop, notifying users when their requested features are implemented.

11. Referral Flow

Encouraging users to refer others is a powerful way to grow your user base. A seamless referral flow makes it easy for users to share your product with others.

Example User Flow:

Once a user experiences value from the product, they are prompted via a UI element (like a banner or pop-up) to refer a friend. The user flow guides them through the process of sharing a referral link or sending an email, while offering incentives like discounts or bonuses for successful referrals.

12. Reactivation Flow

When users become inactive, a reactivation flow can bring them back by reminding them of the product’s value.

Example User Flow:

If a user hasn’t logged in for a certain period, they receive an automated email or in-app message reminding them of what they’re missing. The user flow may offer them a walkthrough of any new features or a personalized message showcasing improvements that address their previous pain points.

13. Mobile App Download Flow

For SaaS products that also offer mobile apps, guiding users from the desktop platform to download the mobile app is key to increasing engagement across devices.

Example User Flow:

After signing up or using the web product, users receive an in-app prompt to download the mobile app. The flow takes them to the appropriate app store and seamlessly transitions them from web to mobile, with personalized onboarding steps tailored to mobile-specific features.

14. Error Handling Flow

When users encounter errors, a smooth error handling flow ensures they can resolve issues quickly and continue their journey.

Example User Flow:

If a user encounters a technical issue (such as a failed form submission), the user flow automatically provides a clear error message and guidance on how to fix it. Tooltips or in-app messages direct users to the appropriate next steps, such as correcting input errors or contacting support.

15. Content Recommendation Flow

A content recommendation flow helps keep users engaged by suggesting relevant content based on their actions, behaviors, and interests. This flow encourages users to explore additional features or resources, boosting their overall experience and long-term engagement.

Example User Flow:

When a user completes a specific action, such as finishing a task, the product suggests relevant content (tutorials, blog posts, webinars, or case studies) through in-app messages or modals. This recommendation is tailored to their previous behavior and helps them find further value in the product. For instance, after completing a project, a user might be prompted to explore advanced tips or new features related to project management, driving them to deeper product adoption.

Build Great User Flows Now

User flows are fundamental to creating an intuitive, engaging experience for your users. Whatever portion of your product you're trying to visualize, creating wireframes of your user flow and optimizing your UI/UX accordingly is a quintessential part of achieving success with your product. 

And don't forget, once you figure out your user flow diagram and have a wireflow that maps everything out, you need to have an efficient way of implementing your flowchart. Whether you need to make a small adjustment in your user interactions, or overhaul the entire user flow, a digital adoption tool like Userflow can help you implement those changes without a headache.

So if you want to execute quickly on your user flows and optimize your product's user experience with speed and efficiency, you should try Userflow.