Success in process mapping can be achieved by avoiding some of the major pitfalls. Here is a short list of what to avoid:
- Complex maps
- Maps that contain too much or too little detail
- Layout and flow problems
So often the consultant or author is trying to prove how clever they are, and as a result create maps that are overly complex. If the most important objective for a process map is communicate information, then they have failed. 
Keeping some simple communication goals up front will reduce the potential of failure.
- Keep it simple, reduce the amount of content on a page (tasks) if needed
- Provide the right amount of detail for the audience
- Most of us read top to bottom, left to right, try and follow this rule
During the next few posts we will delve deeper into how to make your flowchart easy to read and understand. Remember work on your behalf at this stage, makes it much easier for your reader.
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