in

Important Tips to Create an Effective Flowchart

Important Tips to Create an Effective Flowchart

It is a widely accepted fact that graphical/visual representation of a process is far more effective than it is to describe in words. When it comes to methods, implementations or processes, flowcharts are the best visual option. However, people still fail to communicate effectively with flow charts as they miss out on some key aspects. The following are some important tips for effective communication through flowcharts.

Use Color Strategically While Creating a Flowchart

Using appropriate colors for indicating specific events/steps can go a long way in effective communication and also increasing the attention span of viewers. Human mind is subconsciously tuned to associate certain colors for certain events, so take this factor in to account when you create flowchart.

Use Effective Flow Labels

This is important especially in a complex flowchart with multiple steps/stages. Make it clear to the viewer/reader about what each step in the flowchart represents by using flow labels. It can be very hard for the viewers to follow the process without understanding all the steps of the flowchart.

Label Your Arrows 

We know that arrows are integral part of a flowchart, however, sometimes it is advisable to include labels for the arrows as well.

Follow a Clear Sequence

It might sound rudimentary; however, a significant percentage of people make the mistake of not following a clear sequence when creating a flowchart. Flowcharts are usually read in one direction, so try to make it left to right or top to bottom, instead of going in both directions. Always use arrows instead of just line segments connecting shapes.

Use the Right Shapes and Symbols

There are hundreds of different types of flowcharts, and some shapes are very specific to certain types of flowcharts. So, use the right flowchart shapes in your flowchart. In addition to the common shapes widely used like diamonds, rectangles, ellipses, hexagons, octagons, there are other shapes that adds more context to your flowcharts.

Create Sub Flow Diagrams Inside Your Main Flow Chart

Whenever we use flowcharts to explain a complicated process involving multiple steps, it is better to breakdown the process into sub-flow diagrams. It makes it easier for the viewers to comprehend a complex process more effectively.

Use Text Annotations Wisely

You can use text annotations to embellish your flowchart as well as to provide those extra details. This provides more information without making it verbose.  Especially when flowcharts are used as infographics for promotions you can use text annotations to show numbers, values, dates, and percentage breakups.

Be a smart communicator and start creating effective flowcharts.

What do you think?

4 Ways to Combat Work-Related Stress

Why You Need to Reduce the Stress in Your Life and How to Do It

How to Modify Your Home for Those with A Disability

How to Modify Your Home for Those with A Disability