User journeys are everywhere. Even on LinkedIn.
For example, someone searches “app developer” and lands on a profile.
What they expect to see:
- Examples of app development
- Signals of my credibility
- Behind-the-scenes posts
What they actually see:
- Pics of bubble tea
- Hot takes
- Memes
You reckon they’ll stick around?
Now imagine you’re building a project management app.
Is it for seasoned PMs to manage numerous projects? Or small, scrappy teams to keep track of tasks? Trying to do both will likely result in an app that’s underpowered or an interface that’s overwhelming.
Let’s apply this to a SaaS
For our project management app example, your user journeys will look completely different depending on who you’re building for.
If your user is a seasoned PM:
- They expect multi-project visibility
- Timeline + Gantt views
- Resource management
- Custom workflows
- Integrations with dev tools
- Reporting that makes their boss smile
If they don’t see these? They bounce.
If your user is part of a small, scrappy team:
- They expect simplicity
- Tasks, deadlines, and ownership
- A clean UI
- A way to reduce chaos—not add to it
- Quick onboarding
- Maybe a Kanban board if they’re feeling fancy
Show them 15 dashboards and a complex workflow builder? They bounce too.
So, what should you build?
User journey mapping needn’t be a formal exercise involving designers, sticky notes and long workshops.
Talking to real users, observing how they interact with similar products, and noting what they like and dislike are effective ways
Mapping user journeys gives you a massive advantage: it increases the odds that what you create is actually usefu