WHAT DO YOU NEED?
- Knowledge about the challenge
- Idea of the solution
- e-whiteboard
- Discussion Channel
TYPE OF THE ACTIVITY:
- Individual & Group
SUGGESTED TIME FOR ACTIVITY:
- Mind Maps - Min. 2 Hours
- User Flow Charts - Min. 3 Hours
- Flow Charts - Min. 3 Hours
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:
- Low
- Medium
- Medium
What can you do?
Use diagrams to visualize and organize different aspects of the solution (key elements, features, functioning…). You can use different diagrams, e.g.:
Visualize the structure and concept of a solution
First determine the core topic of the mind map (your solution) and write it down in the center of the diagram. Expand your diagram outwards by adding branches that outline the most basic subtopics/key elements. Here you can keep it simple and not worry about too much detail. Then explore each subtopic/element into more detail by adding more specific branches. Continue with the branching until you run out of relevant information/aspects/elements.
If needed, you can rearrange the topics in your mind map. Use different fonts, shapes, images, colors on specific branches to visualize it better.
Visualize the user flow (the path of the user):
Have in mind your user personas and goals. Think of what users do before and after they interact with a part of your solution. Identify:
- What are the entry points and other touchpoints where user interacts with your product/service?
- What happens after or follows each step?
- What content you need to provide to users?
- How should different content be connected to each other?
Now visualize all the necessary information with a user flow chart. The flowchart can be used to describe both user task flows and back-end processes (necessary operations that users don’t see).
It is recommended that in the flow chart you stick to chosen symbols as visual language (e.g. square = steps user takes, oval = starting/ending point of users path, diamond = point of user’s choice/decision, arrow = the flow of the symbol).
Visualize the system flow (activities and decisions solution executes)
Have in mind your solution and goals. Identify:
- What are the activities and decisions the solution executes?
- What are the necessary steps? · What happens after or follows each step?
- How should steps be connected to each other?
Now visualize all the necessary information with a flow chart.
It is recommended that you stick to chosen symbols as visual language (e.g. square = process and steps, oval = start/end, diamond = decisions, arrow = the flow of the symbol).
More information about flow charts here.
