A user flow in UX design is a diagram that outlines the path a user takes when interacting with a product, from the initial entry point to the final action. These flows are essential for understanding the user experience and are a cornerstone in effective UX design.

Common examples of user flows include processes like signing up for an account, filling out a form, or searching for a product. These flows guide the design by focusing on the steps a user needs to complete a particular task.

A good user flow is designed with an in-depth understanding of the user's journey. The aim is to make the experience intuitive, providing helpful features and guiding the user smoothly from one point to another within the product.

While both terms might seem similar, a workflow is a general term that outlines a set of steps to reach a goal. User flows, on the other hand, are specific to the UX field and focus on the user's experience and actions within a product.

In UI design, a user flow is a visual representation that shows how users interact with an application. The goal is to design an intuitive and efficient path, allowing users to accomplish their tasks with minimal steps.

While both concepts are crucial in design, a user flow focuses on the specific steps and actions within a product, whereas a user journey zooms out to look at the overall experience and emotional aspects of the interaction.

User flows, often referred to as UX flows or flowcharts, play a vital role in product design. They help in laying out the entire user experience from start to finish, making them invaluable tools for designers.

In design portfolios, the user flow helps to articulate how users navigate through different screens or pages to accomplish tasks. It’s a useful tool for showcasing your design process and problem-solving skills.

There are various types of user flow charts, such as task flows, wire flows, and user flows. Each serves a different purpose but ultimately aims to visualize how a user interacts with a system.