Interaktionspfaden

Interaktionspfade describe the specific sequences of actions, decisions and options that a user follows while interacting with a digital product. In human–computer interaction the concept is used to map, analyze and optimize user flows. A typical Interaktionspfad starts with a trigger, continues through a set of steps – such as page views, clicks, form entries or system responses – and ends with a goal or outcome. The path is often visualized as a flow diagram or a journey map.

The method emerged in the early 2000s as part of usability engineering and has since become central to user‑experience design. By documenting all possible pathways, designers can reveal redundancies, friction points and hidden navigation options. Analysts use Interaktionspfade to compare actual user behaviour gathered from analytics or field studies with the intended usage model. Disparities highlight pain points that require redesign.

Practical applications include site navigation design, checkout flows in e‑commerce, error‑handling pathways, and onboarding sequences. Interaction path analysis can also inform adaptive interfaces, where the system presents different options depending on the user’s previous steps. In a broader sense Interaktionspfade are akin to decision trees and are closely related to concepts such as user journeys, task flows and service blueprints. Because they provide a structured view of interaction, they are valuable for cross‑functional teams—product managers, designers, developers and data analysts—to align on user goals and technical feasibility.