Understanding Corner Cases Through Task Flow Analysis

In the realm of business analysis, understanding the intricacies of user interactions with a system is paramount. One effective method for achieving this is through task flow analysis. Task flows provide a visual representation of the user journey, highlighting each step a user takes to accomplish a task within an application. This approach is particularly beneficial for identifying corner cases—those unique, often overlooked scenarios that can impact user experience.

What is a Task Flow?
A task flow is a diagram that maps out the sequence of actions a user takes to complete a specific task. It includes decision points, potential pathways, and interactions with the system. By visualizing these elements, task flows help analysts and designers understand how users navigate an application, ensuring that all possible scenarios are considered.

Why Task Flows are Ideal for Identifying Corner Cases

• Comprehensive Visualization: Task flows provide a holistic view of the user journey, making it easier to spot unusual or unexpected paths that users might take. This comprehensive visualization is crucial for identifying corner cases that might not be apparent through other analysis methods.
• Decision Points Highlighting: By mapping out decision points within the flow, analysts can identify where users might diverge from the expected path. These decision points are often where corner cases arise, as users may make choices that lead to less common scenarios.
• Scenario Exploration: Task flows allow for the exploration of various scenarios, including edge cases. By considering all possible user actions, analysts can ensure that the system handles unexpected inputs or behaviors gracefully.
• Iterative Refinement: As task flows are reviewed and refined, they can be adjusted to include additional branches or pathways that represent corner cases. This iterative process ensures that the analysis remains thorough and up-to-date.

Applying Task Flow Analysis
Consider a task flow for a user onboarding process, as depicted in the example image. The flow begins with a splash screen, progresses through onboarding, and leads to either sign-up or login. Each of these steps contains potential corner cases:

• Onboarding: Users might skip onboarding or encounter issues if they are returning users. The task flow should account for these variations.
• Sign-Up/Log-In: Users may forget their passwords or use invalid email addresses. Task flows can map out these scenarios and guide the design of error handling mechanisms.
• Email Confirmation: Users might not receive confirmation emails due to spam filters. Identifying this corner case ensures that alternative solutions, like resending emails, are in place.