Flowchart Instructions
A flowchart is a specific type of chart that tracks a progress or a progression of data. For example, a flowchart may be used to troubleshoot a particular electronic component in your home by providing a number of different things you can try and options you can explore. If you want to create your own flowchart, you can do so in just a few minutes by following the proper procedure. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Write down all of the processes that need to be covered by your flowchart. For example, if you're making a flowchart to help with troubleshooting a particular product, make a list of all different techniques a person would need to use to troubleshoot that device.
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2
Re-word each item on your list in the form of a question (if applicable). For flowcharts that aid in troubleshooting an item, it is helpful to re-word an item from "Plug in your device" to "Is your device plugged in?" However, if your flow chart simply tracks a progression, re-wording phrases as questions is not necessary.
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3
Write the starting point on your flowchart at the top of the page. For a basic flowchart, this can be a box or circle that says "Start."
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4
Draw a short vertical line from the "Start" point and draw a box that contains the first item on your list. Draw a short vertical line from that box and draw another box with the second item on your list. Continue this process until all of the items on your list are on your flowchart. Draw a final box that contains the word "Finish" or "End" at the bottom of the chart. If your flowchart is simply tracking the progress of something, it is done. If it is helping with troubleshooting, continue to Step 5.
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5
Return to the top of your flowchart with the first item in your troubleshooting list. Draw a horizontal line from the left or right of the box and answer the question posed. For example, if your box says, "Is the toaster plugged in?" draw a horizontal line with the word "No" written over it to another box that reads, "Plug in the toaster." The intention is that the reader will read the question in the box and answer "Yes" or "No." If they answer "No," they follow the "No" line to the troubleshooting tip. If they answer "Yes," they follow the flow chart down to the next main item. Repeat this for all the items on your flow chart.
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