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Flash Article

 

Modeling User Workflows for Rich Internet Applications


David Hogue

David Hogue, Ph.D.

Fluid, Inc.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Discovering and Describing the Workflow
  3. Modeling the Workflow
  4. Designing the User Interface
  5. Where To Go from Here
Created:
17 January, 2005
User Level:
Advanced

As Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) become more advanced, the tasks, problems, and processes they address become increasingly complex, making it more important than ever to accurately model user workflows. Early Internet applications were often narrowly focused in scope, and the steps were relatively simple and sequential, for example, purchasing items through simple e-commerce, reserving hotel rooms, or renting cars. But as productivity applications move toward a web-based distribution model, the tasks become more complicated.

In these newer, more complex applications, the steps are typically nonsequential; some examples of these types of applications include educational online training content and applications that track customer public utility usage and payment. To build an effective, efficient, and useful application, an application designer must have a complete understanding of these complex workflows; the tasks, information, and processes necessary to complete them; and the needs of the people using the RIA.

Requirements

Note: While this article does not require any software, the information within it applies to users building RIAs with Macromedia Flex and Macromedia Flash. Also, you may find it useful to become acquainted with Macromedia FreeHand (included in Studio MX) or with Microsoft Visio as you begin creating your own workflow diagrams.

Prerequisite knowledge:

You should have some experience with Macromedia Flash/Flex components, user interface design, user experience design, user interviews and observation, and creating flow charts.

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About the author

Dave is the director of Information Design and Usability at Fluid, Inc., a digital experience and development firm in San Francisco specializing in Rich Internet Applications. He uses his training in applied psychology and cognitive science to study how people work in the real and digital worlds and develops workflow models and user interfaces that meet their needs and expectations effectively and efficiently. He was worked on projects for a diverse range of clients including Charles Schwab, General Electric, Avery Dennison, and Amerada Hess.