A · UnderstandBeginner45 min read
3. User flows & friction mapping
UI/UX Foundations · 52 pages source format
Map the happy path and sad paths. Boxes and arrows expose drop-off risks before pixels.
What you'll learn
- Flow notation
- Happy vs edge paths
- Friction scoring
- Time-on-task intuition
Happy path
Start → key steps → success outcome. One primary job only.
Do this now
Map signup → first value for subject app in FigJam.
Clear?
Sad paths
Error, empty, timeout, permission denied, payment fail.
Do this now
Add 3 sad path branches to your flow.
Clear?
Friction score
Rate each step 1–5 friction (5 = worst). Fix lowest-scoring step first in later chapters.
Do this now
Score every step. Circle the worst two.
Clear?