IDEATE
OBJECTIVE
For this phase of the project, we created a storyboard, User need to data need map, User flow diagram, and sketches. The one part that I utilized AI on was the User Flow Diagram. For this task, the goal was to create an outline of what steps users will take within the app and what features will be present. To do this, I used AI as a collaborative assistant to help ideate what that flow might specifically look like inside the app on a functional level.
AI USAGE
To begin, I prompted ChatGPT to create a possible user flow with four goals in mind as previously defined from the initial stages of the project. Below is the prompt:
“I am creating a user flow diagram of step by step buttons and options within the interior design app, what should that process look like based on the goal of this project being:
Providing real time visualization tools
Creating a platform for visual inspiration
Chatbot tool to understand their style and receive recommendations
Connect their generated style to real furniture/decor on the market to purchase”
ChatGPT’s response to this prompt is as follows:
1. Onboarding / Account Setup
Welcome Screen
➝ [Sign Up / Log In]
Style Discovery Chatbot
➝ [“Take the Style Quiz” or “Start with Chatbot”]
Preferences: color palettes, vibes, furniture styles
Questions about current space, budget, lifestyle
Upload optional room photos
➝ [Style Profile Generated: “Your Style is: Modern Boho”]
➝ [Option: Edit Style / Retake Quiz]
2. Home Dashboard
[Top Navigation Tabs: Explore | My Space | Visualize | Shop | Profile]
Featured Inspiration
➝ [Browse Moodboards / Trending Styles]
➝ [Search Bar] (“search styles, items, rooms...”)
➝ [Launch Chatbot Anytime] (floating icon/button)
3. Explore Visual Inspiration
➝ [Pinterest-style Gallery]
Filter by:
Room type (living, bedroom, kitchen, etc.)
Style (Scandinavian, Boho, Industrial, etc.)
Color
Budget level
Tap image ➝ [Save to Board] or [Visualize in My Room]
4. My Space – Room Setup
➝ [Add a Room]
Upload room photo OR choose room template
Enter dimensions (optional but helpful)
➝ [View Room Canvas]
Add furniture
Edit layout
Drag + drop pieces
Toggle views: 2D / 3D
5. Real-Time Visualization Tool
➝ [Launch Visualization Tool]
Upload current room photo or start from blank canvas
Auto-detect room features (walls, floor, windows)
Add suggested items from chatbot or search manually
Move/rescale furniture to fit dimensions
Preview before & after
Save room setup
6. Chatbot (Integrated Throughout)
Style Help, Product Discovery, Layout Suggestions
“What fits my Boho Bedroom?”
“Find a coffee table for under $100”
➝ [Sends Visual Recommendations]
➝ [Save to Wishlist or Visualize in Room]
7. Shop
➝ [Shop by Room / Style / Item Type]
Filter: Size, Color, Price, Brand
Sort: Popular, New, Recommended for You
Tap Item ➝
[View in My Space]
[Save to Wishlist]
[Add to Cart / Go to Vendor]
8. Profile & Saved Items
[View Style Profile]
[My Saved Rooms]
[My Wishlist]
[Order History / Linked Purchases]
While AI was utilized for the User Flow Diagram, AI was not used for the storyboard, User need to data need map, or the sketches.
The story board was created by me and designed to ideate what it may look like for someone to experience that app and the features it offers. This is a visual glimpse at an experience in the actual moment to help me better connect and understand the connection to human experience and app features.
The User need to data need was created by my team. This was a process we conducted by going through our value proposition statement and an AI need analysis to narrow down what AI features may contribute to the app and how they will impact the user experience.
The sketches were created each individually. These sketches are a rough outline of what the visual elements of the app will look like. What buttons, frames, movement, and features will be present and how will they be visualized inside the app.
CHALLENGES
During this phase of the project I didn’t find that there were many challenges with using the AI other than the typical need for specifically worded prompts. AI in general needs an in-depth understanding of the project, background, and what my needs are for the prompt I give it. In this specific phase, AI was extremely helpful in providing detailed guidance as to what the internal app flow could look like.
BENEFITS
The first benefit I experienced was a high quality flow that proved very valuable and applicable. Using AI during this phase was extremely useful because of the detailed nature of the app. Connecting human experience and the actual functionality of an app is bridging two very complex environments. Creating a User flow map in general is very helpful because it outlines the basic structure of the app before going in and creating something so complex. Using AI was even more helpful because it has a unique understanding of the web/user experience side of things and was able to offer suggestions that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. This detailed account of step-by-step buttons and functions helped me visualize the complexities of the app while keeping the main goals in mind.
The second benefit I experienced is the time management that is utilized when using AI. Instead of spending hours trying to anticipate what features and flow the app will need to best fit the needs of users, AI was able to provide insight almost immediately. This cuts the tedious work down by hours which can allow me as a designer to spend more time on the important part: designing.
REFLECTION
There are a few things I would do differently during this phase. First, I feel like I didn’t utilize the full potential that AI could have helped during the development of the User flow diagram. AI has such an expansive understanding of the possible features, buttons, and pages an app can have, and I think I didn’t invest enough time in trying multiple prompts to get as many ideas as possible. I would also spend more time re-prompting to receive more refined versions of the user flow to create the most simple and straight forward app flow, but packed with high quality features and app movement.
I would also like to have spent more time “testing” the flow AI gives me. I only asked for a flow based on a prompt and set of goals, but it would have been interesting to have AI then analyze and test its own diagram to find pain points, issues, or areas that can be condensed. In general I would spend more time giving more prompts, asking for different kinds of features, and condensing the app to be as simple as possible.
Regardless of everything I would do differently, the AI in this phase was extremely helpful to create a foundation to build off of whether I built with my own ideas or more ideas from AI.