Once we start creating process maps, we will be using symbols. Now because there are many, many to choose from, problems start to occur. The first one is using too many symbols for your audience. This is distracting, unhelpful and makes it harder to read and understand the content of your process map. Two basic rules will help you avoid problems and assist and your intended audience. These are:
- Limit the number of symbols you are using in the map and
- Provide a legend so everyone can understand what they mean
An often forgotten error for many process maps is omitting the legend. This is 
strange, because this would never happen on a geographic map, but occurs all the time in process mapping. In this example, the TaskMap legend is posted on a web site, allowing even more detail of the main symbol in this model to be viewed.
Additional information in the task shape model for responsible roles, task description, a unique Task number, guidelines and resources are all contained in the task shape. By dropping this shape on all the maps, readers have a short cut to see what the author intended.
Regardless of the system you are using, you want your audience to understand your process maps. So add a legend every time you create one.
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