Task Analysis and Modeling Methods in UX Research

Philip Burgess
Aug 14
3 min read

Updated: Aug 16

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader

In UX research, understanding how users accomplish their goals is just as important as understanding why they do them. Task Analysis and Modeling methods are designed to break down user activities into smaller, measurable steps—helping designers and product teams build experiences that align with actual workflows.

Whether you’re creating a new product or refining an existing one, task analysis provides a clear, evidence-based roadmap for making interfaces more efficient, intuitive, and satisfying.

What Is Task Analysis in UX Research?

Task Analysis is a methodical process of studying and documenting the steps users take to achieve a specific goal, along with the decisions, tools, and environmental factors involved.

Core components include:

Goal: The end outcome the user wants to achieve.
Tasks: The key activities required to achieve that goal.
Subtasks: Smaller actions within each task.
Sequence: The order in which actions are performed.
Decision Points: Places where users make choices that impact the path forward.

Why Task Analysis Matters

Reveals Inefficiencies: Identifies unnecessary steps or bottlenecks in a process.
Improves Usability: Ensures workflows match the user’s mental model, not just the system’s logic.
Supports Accessibility: Highlights points where users with specific needs may face challenges.
Drives Better Information Architecture: Informs the organization of menus, navigation, and interface structure.
Prioritizes Features: Helps teams focus on the most critical tasks and eliminate clutter.

Common Task Analysis and Modeling Methods

1. Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA)

Breaks down tasks into a hierarchy of goals, sub-goals, and actions.

When to Use: For complex workflows that need to be fully mapped.
Example: Analyzing how users purchase a product online, from browsing to checkout.
Pros: Provides a complete, visual breakdown of workflows.
Cons: Can be time-consuming for large systems.

2. Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA)

Focuses on the mental processes users go through while performing tasks, including decision-making, problem-solving, and memory use.

When to Use: For tasks requiring specialized skills or training.
Example: Studying how air traffic controllers make landing sequence decisions.
Pros: Captures deep cognitive insights.
Cons: Requires skilled facilitation and interpretation.

3. Workflow Analysis

Looks at tasks in the context of organizational processes, tools, and dependencies.

When to Use: For systems with multiple roles, teams, or integrated tools.
Example: Mapping hospital staff interactions from patient intake to discharge.
Pros: Identifies interdependencies across teams.
Cons: Requires buy-in from multiple stakeholders.

4. User Journey Mapping

A visual representation of a user’s end-to-end experience, highlighting tasks, emotions, and pain points.

When to Use: For understanding both functional and emotional aspects of a process.
Example: Tracking a traveler’s steps from booking a flight to boarding.
Pros: Easy for stakeholders to understand.
Cons: Can oversimplify if not backed by deeper analysis.

5. GOMS Model (Goals, Operators, Methods, Selection Rules)

A predictive model used to estimate how long it will take users to complete tasks based on their actions.

When to Use: For performance and efficiency optimization.
Example: Evaluating how quickly a user can navigate a software interface.
Pros: Quantitative and measurable.
Cons: Works best for well-defined, routine tasks.

Best Practices for Task Analysis in UX

Start with Real Data: Observe actual user behavior before mapping tasks.
Involve Cross-Functional Teams: Designers, developers, and stakeholders should review task flows together.
Validate with Users: Share your models with participants to confirm accuracy.
Consider Edge Cases: Include alternative flows and error scenarios.
Keep it Actionable: Ensure findings directly inform design decisions.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Assuming Tasks Match System Design: Users often take shortcuts or create workarounds.
Overcomplicating the Analysis: Focus on high-impact tasks first.
Skipping Context: Tasks don’t happen in isolation—consider environment, devices, and emotional state.
Failing to Update Models: Workflows change as products evolve.

Conclusion

Task Analysis and Modeling methods are powerful tools for understanding the how of user behavior. By breaking tasks into smaller, actionable components, UX researchers can reveal inefficiencies, validate design decisions, and create experiences that align with real-world workflows.

When combined with ethnographic insights and usability testing, task analysis ensures that your product isn’t just functional—it’s optimized for the way people actually work.