7 process flowchart mistakes that make charts unreadable

Most unreadable process flowcharts are unreadable for the same handful of reasons: too much per shape, ambiguous decisions, crossing arrows and no clear beginning or end. Fix these seven habits and your charts stop needing a walkthrough.

1. Cramming multiple actions into one shape

Fix: One verb per shape. If you catch yourself writing 'and', split it.

2. Using a diamond as a label

Fix: Diamonds are questions with two answers. If it is a statement, use a rectangle.

3. Unlabelled decision branches

Fix: Every arrow leaving a diamond must be labelled with the answer that leads to it.

4. Arrows that cross for no reason

Fix: Rearrange or use a connector circle. Crossing arrows are the fastest way to lose a reader.

5. One giant chart instead of a hierarchy

Fix: Cap each chart at ~15 shapes. Break longer processes into a top-level chart plus linked sub-charts.

6. Inconsistent shape usage

Fix: Stick to the standard symbol set. Custom shapes force reviewers to relearn the legend.

7. No obvious start or end

Fix: Always begin with a terminator labelled with the trigger and end with one labelled with the outcome.

For the underlying vocabulary, keep the symbols reference handy while you draft.

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