Designing for Simplicity: Exploring User Flows

As part of my ongoing practice in UX design, I’ve been diving into user flow scenarios to better understand how to create seamless and efficient experiences. One of the scenarios I focused on recently was the "Forgot Password" process, a critical flow for user retention and satisfaction. Through this exercise, I discovered that prioritizing biometric confirmation for identity verification creates the least action flow, significantly reducing user friction and enhancing the overall experience.

The Problem

"Forgot Password" is one of the most common user flows, yet it can often be unnecessarily complex. Traditional methods like email or SMS verification involve multiple steps that can frustrate users and lead to drop-offs. My goal was to identify a user flow that minimizes steps while maintaining security and usability.

Exploring the Typical Flows

To start, I mapped and analyzed three common user flows:

1. Email or SMS Verification: Users enter their email or phone number, receive a verification code, input the code, and reset their password.

   • Steps: 5-6 actions

   • Challenges: Delays in receiving codes and multi-step complexity.

2. Security Questions: Users answer pre-set questions to verify their identity before resetting their password.

   • Steps: 4-5 actions

   • Challenges: Users often forget answers or input them incorrectly.

3. Biometric Authentication: Users verify their identity with Face ID or fingerprint recognition and bypass the password reset step entirely.

   • Steps: 2-3 actions

   • Challenges: Requires prior biometric setup on the device.

Why Biometric Authentication Stood Out

While exploring these flows, I realized that biometric authentication creates the least action flow. By allowing users to confirm their identity with a fingerprint or facial recognition, this method bypasses the need for traditional password reset steps entirely. Instead, users are authenticated and logged in directly, or taken to the password reset screen if needed.

Benefits of the Biometric Flow

1. Minimal Actions Required:

   • Authenticate with biometrics > Log in.

   • Only 1-2 actions compared to 5-6 in other flows.

2. Enhanced Security:

   • Biometric data is unique to each user and more secure than passwords or answers to security questions.

3. Improved User Experience:

   • The process is fast, familiar (for users with Face ID or fingerprint enabled), and reduces cognitive load.

4. Lower Drop-Off Rates:

   • Users don’t need to wait for verification codes or deal with forgotten security answers, leading to a smoother flow.

Prototype: A User-Centered Login Flow

As part of my exploration of the sign in scenario, I focused on designing a prototype for a mobile login screen. The goal was to streamline the user experience by integrating biometric authentication (Face ID) as a primary method of signing in, minimizing user effort and actions.

Wireframe Details

1. Login Screen:

   • The screen provides two clear options:

     • Option 1: Enter email and password manually, using input fields.

     • Option 2: Tap a “Sign in with Face ID” button for biometric authentication.

   • The Face ID button is prominently displayed to encourage users to take the faster, more seamless route.

2. Biometric Authentication Feedback:

   • When the user presses the “Sign in with Face ID” button:

     • A Face ID scanning bubble appears at the top of the screen, mimicking the native iOS biometric prompt.

     • The feedback reassures users that the authentication process is in progress.

3. Minimalist Design:

   • I maintained a clean and intuitive layout with clear visual hierarchy:

     • The email and password fields are at the center of the screen for easy accessibility.

     • The Face ID button is styled distinctly to draw attention while maintaining visual harmony.

Rationale Behind the Design

1. User Choice:

   • By providing both traditional and biometric login options, the design caters to users with varying preferences and device capabilities.

2. Speed and Efficiency:

   • Prioritizing Face ID reduces the number of actions required to log in, aligning with my focus on minimizing friction in user flows.

3. Familiarity:

   • The Face ID bubble follows native design conventions, ensuring a consistent and familiar experience for users.

Key Takeaways

This exercise reinforced the importance of designing for efficiency and reducing friction in user flows. By prioritizing biometric authentication, I worked on a way to improve the "Forgot Password" experience by:

• Streamlining the process to just 2-3 steps.

• Enhancing security without adding complexity.

• Providing a user-centric solution that aligns with modern device capabilities.

What’s Next?

This practice has inspired me to explore other areas where biometrics can simplify user interactions, such as account recovery and multi-factor authentication. I’m also interested in designing inclusive alternatives for users who may not have biometrics enabled, ensuring the flow is accessible to all.