Product Planner is designed to give users a simple way to build a flow. The website includes a collection of existing flows created by other users to help visitors get started. Each flow contains multiple screenshots or images that depict a step in an activity or process. The viewer can work through each step by following the flow. User flows can be embedded on websites or shared using the link provided by Product Planner. Each user flow also breaks down the steps in a text list along the side so the viewer can easily jump to specific tasks or activities within the flow. Initially, user flows are shown in their entirety however the viewer can zoom in or out to get a better look at individual panels and screenshots.
Product Planner was founded by KISSmetrics in April of 2009. The application was designed to help users get a better understanding of user flows for their web based products. The Product Planner gallery was included to provide additional instruction and inspiration that will help the user come up with their own flows. The Product Planner blog was also added to offer up more insight that the user can apply when creating their own web product flows.
Product Planner’s user friendly design is what makes it more appealing than some of its competitors. The application lists the individual steps neatly along the side so the user doesn’t have to travel through the flow to find a specific panel. The addition of the gallery is another appealing feature that can help users understand the best ways to create a flow and to apply it to their web product.
Product Planner invites users with a dark background and rich colors that give the site a unique appearance. Navigation is very easy both on the site and through each user flow. The basic flow design includes a series of panels that contain a screenshot. A label is applied to the top so the user can see which step is contained within the panel. Small arrows guide the user along while a few pieces of information along the right side of the user flow provide access to embedding and sharing links, tags, flow steps and the number of views and favorites the flow has received. Although some users may feel that Product Planner’s interface is too simple, it is certainly an easy to use tool for newcomers.
A new user can begin by clicking the black and white “Sign Up” button found in the upper, right hand corner of the Product Planner homepage. The registration form appears inside the yellow box along the left hand side of the next page. The form asks for an email address and password. The user must also check the small box at the bottom to confirm their agreement with the Product Planner terms of use. After clicking the “Create Account” button, the user is automatically signed in and can begin creating and viewing flows.
Product Planner makes its service even more appealing by offering free access to all users. There are no subscription fees required and the user never has to make a purchase. All users are given access to all current features. The Product Planner website does not state whether a premium paid membership is planned for the future. Anyone can create as many user flows as they like for free.
ProductPlanner.com is aimed at users who need a simple way to build a user flow. The application may seem a bit watered down compared to some of its competitors. For some users, this may be a plus because it is so easy to use and allows the user to build a practical user flow that clearly explains a process without any distractions.