UX: Define and Map Core User Flows

[juanmanueldaza]

Part of Epic: #105

Task

Before implementing UI components, we must define and document the primary user flows.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Create a flow diagram for the "happy path" of sending a chat message (text-only and with image).
2. Map out the user flow for handling an API error when sending a message.
3. Define the flow for a user starting a new conversation.
4. Document these flows in docs/ux/user-flows.md.

[juanmanueldaza]

✅ Issue Complete

All acceptance criteria have been met. Created comprehensive user flow documentation with visual Mermaid diagrams.

📄 Documentation Created

File: docs/ux/user-flows.md (600+ lines)

✅ Acceptance Criteria

1. Happy Path Flow Diagram (Text Only) ✅

   • Sequence diagram showing User → UI → Input Component → Hook → API → Vertex AI
   • 7 detailed steps with state transitions
   • UI state table included

2. Happy Path Flow Diagram (With Image) ✅

   • Extended sequence diagram including Upload component
   • Image validation and base64 encoding flow
   • 6 detailed steps with multimodal handling

3. API Error Handling Flow ✅

   • Flowchart with 6 error types:
     • Authentication (401/403)
     • Rate Limit (429)
     • Network errors
     • Timeout errors
     • AI Service errors (503)
     • Unknown errors (500)
   • Error classification logic
   • Recovery options table
   • User-friendly error messages

4. New Conversation Flow ✅

   • Comprehensive flowchart covering 3 scenarios:
     • First-time user experience
     • Returning user experience
     • Clear conversation history
   • UI state transitions
   • Empty state handling

📊 Additional Documentation

Beyond the core requirements, the documentation includes:

• Error Types Reference Table - HTTP codes, causes, and recovery actions
• Keyboard Shortcuts - Enter (new line), Ctrl+Enter (send), ⌘K (command palette)
• Accessibility Considerations - Screen reader support, keyboard navigation, ARIA labels
• Mobile UX Notes - Touch targets, gesture support, responsive behavior
• Loading States - Skeleton screens, spinner states, optimistic updates
• Implementation Status - Current state vs. future enhancements
• Cross-References - Links to 6 related GitHub issues and 3 related docs

🔗 Integration

• Added to documentation index: docs/README.md
• Referenced components from Issue UX/UI: Implement Loading, Empty, and Error States #107 (LoadingSkeleton, EmptyState, ErrorState)
• Connected to Epic Epic: UI/UX Refinement and Design System Implementation #105 UI/UX Refinement

🎯 Epic #105 Progress: 5/6 Complete

• ✅ Issue UI: Establish a Global Design Token System #108: Design Token System
• ✅ Issue UI: Implement 8pt Grid System for Consistent Spacing #109: 8pt Grid System
• ✅ Issue UI: Customize shadcn/ui Theme for Brand Identity #111: Theme Customization
• ✅ Issue UX/UI: Implement Loading, Empty, and Error States #107: Loading/Empty/Error States
• ✅ Issue UX: Define and Map Core User Flows #106: User Flows Documentation (this issue)
• 🔲 Issue UI: Introduce Microinteractions and Animations #110: Microinteractions and Animations (remaining)

Ready for review! 🚀