layers-interaction-flow
/layers-interaction-flow
Assumes /layers-intro has been loaded for framework context.
The interaction structure and flow layer defines how a person interacts with the product: the places they navigate, the affordances available, the content presented, and the flow between states. It sits above the conceptual model (which defines what exists) and below the surface (which defines how it looks).
Decisions this layer needs to make:
- What are the distinct places this flow moves through?
- What can the user do in each place, and where does each action take them?
- What content does each place need to show?
- What happens on failure paths, empty states, and edge cases?
- Is the flow as simple as it can be while still serving the job?
Methods:
| Method | When |
|---|---|
| Breadboarding (Ryan Singer / Shape Up) | Default for most flows. Text-based notation that forces interaction logic to be evaluated before visual design makes changes feel expensive. |
| User story mapping (Jeff Patton) | Complex product, many user types, planning incrementally. Maps activities → tasks → stories across a timeline. |
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