Flowcharting Basics
- Break the process down in your mind before you attempt the diagram. Write out the steps to start the visualization process. Make sure each step is simple, with only one action or question. Follow the process on separate sheets of paper if it splits due to a yes/no decision or a special condition with multiple outcomes. Review the process as you go to double-check that you don't accidentally lose a thread of the process somewhere if it starts to branch out in many directions.
- Match the different steps on your list to flowchart symbols. A glossary of symbols can be found at BreezeTree.com (see Resources) if you don't have a cheat sheet handy. Use rounded rectangles for the start and stop steps and to end any branch of the chart that terminates without returning to the central process. Use regular rectangles to show the individual action steps in the order they occur. Use a diamond to represent questions or decisions, with the points indicating the branches for the different answers. Be sure to keep all occurrences of the same symbol the same color, but vary the color according to the symbol shape. This will aid the viewer in reading the chart.
- Flowchart Symbols Connected
Draw arrows to connect the symbols on the flowchart. The point of the arrow shows the direction of the process. Some processes might loop around. Use arrows bent at 90-degree turns to represent this. A double-pointed arrow can be used in instances where information goes into a step and back out again.
