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PatternCraft conventionIntermediate

Multi-Step Flows

Breaking a long task into steps, which reduces per-screen load but adds navigation cost and abandonment points.

Definition

A multi-step flow divides a task into sequential screens. It reduces the amount visible at once and allows validation per step, at the cost of extra transitions and more places for the user to leave.

Craft convention. True because the industry converged on it. Breaking it costs familiarity, not correctness.

On this page
  1. Definition
  2. When splitting helps
  3. Requirements
  4. In practice
  5. Continue from here

When splitting helps

  • The task has genuinely distinct phases that map to how users think about it.
  • Later steps depend on earlier answers, so branching is required.
  • The full form is long enough to be intimidating as one screen.
  • Progress needs to be saved and resumed across sessions.

Requirements

  • Show total steps and current position, using step names rather than only numbers.
  • Allow backward navigation without data loss.
  • Save progress automatically at each step.
  • Validate per step, so errors surface close to where they were made.
  • Provide a review step before final submission for anything consequential.
  • Manage focus on each transition: move it to the new step heading so screen reader users know the context changed.

In practice

Review before submit

Applications and checkout

A summary of everything entered, with edit links to each step, catches errors before submission and removes the anxiety of committing to something the user can no longer see.

Continue from here

Each link says what the connection is, so you can tell a principle from an alternative from a thing people mix this up with.

Applies when you are designing

A CheckoutA FormAn Onboarding Flow

Principles behind this

The reasoning this solution is an application of.

Often used with

These usually appear in the same screen or the same decision.

Alternative approach

A different answer to the same problem, with a different cost.

  • Progressive DisclosurePrinciple

    One long form with disclosure, or several short steps. The choice turns on whether the parts are genuinely sequential.

Practical example

A worked decision where this was the deciding factor.

Check your work

Review passes that test whether this was done properly.

Short definition

The one-paragraph version, for when that is all you need.

Related concept

Connected closely enough to change how you apply this.