Task Modelling with Ben Newbolt

Service & Journey Design

Task Modelling

Break down complex user goals into smaller, actionable steps to understand how users approach problems and interact with systems. Task models help clarify sequence, dependencies, and mental models — particularly useful in redesigning workflows, systems, or multistep processes.

When to Employ This Service

Use when designing complex flows or services that involve multiple steps, tools, or decision points — particularly in transactional or workflow-based systems.

Outcomes & Benefits

Mapping tasks and decisions helps simplify complex flows and uncover process barriers. It clarifies what users are trying to achieve — and where they’re blocked.

  • Deeper understanding of goal-directed behaviours

  • Opportunities to streamline tasks and reduce friction

  • Better matching of system logic to user thinking

  • Alignment across product, content, and design teams

Approach

Task modelling explores what users aim to achieve — and how they navigate systems to do it. This reveals inefficiencies, dependencies, and mismatched design intent.

  • Task Decomposition: Break down goals into action and decision points

  • Mapping: Visualise flows, entry points, and conditions

  • Framing: Identify failure points and areas for simplification

  • Communication: Translate into journeys or design principles

Task Modelling and Task Framing with Ben Newbolt

Typical Deliverables

Discover

  • Task inventory sheets

Define

  • Task flow diagrams and logic trees

  • Condition/action matrices

Design

  • Revised user goals and outcomes by task