How to Make a Modular Flow Chart Involving a Decision
An efficient way to streamline processes is to present the potential solutions visually. A flow chart accomplishes this goal with lines and arrows pointing the user in the right direction. Modular flow charts go one step further by depicting only one way in and one way out of a process or procedure. There are some simple steps in making a modular flowchart that clearly outlines the decision-making process.
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Instructions
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Creating a Modular Flowchart
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Use a basic whiteboard to document the steps in a process. This is often done in a group with all the stakeholders present. The stakeholders include those who initiate the process, the individuals involved in moving the process from one step to another and anyone who benefits from the successful completion of the process. Make sure the goal is communicated before the brainstorming session begins so the group does not go off on tangents. Also, don't assume a comment that doesn't directly affect the process is a tangent. Sometimes stakeholders bring a perspective that refines the process.
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Identify decisions and action to be taken as the result of the decision. Once the brainstorming session has ended, identify every step that occurs before action is taken. That step is the decision. It is a "yes" or "no" question or a choice between "this" or "that." Each time a decision occurs, place the question in a parallelogram. The parallelogram in a flowchart sits on one point. If the flowchart is freehand, draw a parallelogram with four points opposite each other. Software programs allow the user to cut and paste a parallelogram into the flowchart. Once the decision is documented, identify the actions taken and place them in rectangles below or beside the preceding decision/question.
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Connect decisions and actions with lines. Remember, the modular flowchart has a beginning and an end, so start and end the modular flowchart the same way. Use a thin rectangle with rounded edges to mark the beginning and end of the modular flowchart. Place the decision/question parallelogram next and draw a line between the beginning and the decision. Determine the answer to decision/question and draw lines below and sideways from the decision to the actions to be taken. Repeat the process as many times as necessary by showing a line from the last action to a decision/question marked as "Repeat?" Draw another line from repeat to the beginning of the process or wherever it logically makes sense.
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Show the modular aspect of the flowchart with a clear beginning and end. The advantage of the modular flowchart is the clear delineation of decisions and actions and how they connect to make an overall process or procedure. In addition to the contract of the geometric shapes, make the decisions a bright color while the actions to be taken are darker. This is another step in showing how decisions are involved in a modular flowchart.
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Determine if users will be able to follow the flow of the modular flowchart. Usability testing is important in the first draft of a modular flowchart. Return to the group of stakeholders with the modular flowchart and ask for feedback. Use the feedback to tweak decisions and actions in a way that makes the flowchart clear to everyone involved.
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References
- Photo Credit flow chart symbol 1 image by pixelcarpenter from Fotolia.com
