Chapter 3: User Experience Fundamentals
User Flow Mapping
Every successful web application prompt includes clear descriptions of the user journey:
- Starting Point: How users begin interacting with the application
- Information Collection: What data is gathered and when
- Processing Steps: What happens with the information
- Results Delivery: How outcomes are presented
- Next Actions: What users can do after completing the primary flow
Essential User Experience Elements to Specify
User Pathways
Describe the different routes users can take through your application:
Primary Journey: The main path most users will follow
▼
- Step-by-step breakdown of screens/interactions
- Decision points where paths might diverge
- Completion indicators and success states
Alternative Paths: Secondary routes based on user choices
▼
- Different user types (new vs. returning)
- Various user goals (browsing vs. purchasing)
- Error recovery paths
User States: Different conditions users might be in
▼
- Logged in vs. logged out experience
- First-time vs. returning user differences
- Free vs. premium user variations
Interaction Design
Specify how users will engage with your application:
Click/Tap Actions: What happens when elements are activated
▼
- Button behaviors (form submission, navigation, toggle)
- Link destinations and behaviors
- Icon functionalities
Form Interactions: How data entry works
▼
- Field validation timing (while typing vs. on submission)
- Error message display and handling
- Auto-completion and suggestions
- Multi-step form navigation
Feedback Mechanisms: How the system communicates
▼
- Success confirmations
- Error handling and recovery options
- Loading states and progress indication
- System notifications
Conversion Elements
Detail the elements that drive user actions:
Call-to-Action Components: Elements that prompt specific behaviors
▼
- Button size, color, and placement
- Urgency indicators (countdown timers, limited availability)
- Value proposition statements
- Risk reversals (guarantees, free trials)
Decision Support: Information that helps users convert
▼
- Social proof (testimonials, reviews, case studies)
- Comparison tools
- FAQ sections
- Live chat or support options
Example User Flow Description
Instead of: "Users should be able to take an assessment"
Say: "Users arrive at a landing page with a headline highlighting the assessment benefits and a clear 'Start Assessment' button. After clicking, they provide their name, email, and business type through a multi-step form with progress indicators. Upon completion, they receive personalized results showing three scores: AI Readiness, VA Delegation Potential, and Time Recovery Potential. Each score includes specific recommendations and a clear call-to-action to book a strategy call."
