Designers will use flowcharts to describe processes and procedures.  When writing computer code, designers may use a flowchart to organize the program. Product designers may use a flowchart to describe a process or steps needed to create a solution. 

A flowchart is a visual representation of a process (algorithm)

• Flowcharts describe  the SEQUENCE and/or the RULES of steps in a process

• Flowcharts identify the type of step in each process

• Each shape has a particular meaning

The Design Cycle, Design Thinking Process, and other inquiry cycles are essentially a type of flowchart.

Flow charts are excellent planning tools for designing and visualizing the steps in a computer program or algorithm.

Designers and coders can use flowcharts to visualize the steps and decisions that a program will make. Designers use specific shapes to identify the types of code, steps, and decisions that the computer and user will make.

In digital design projects for MYP Design, you might use a flowchart to present an outline of the code for your program.

Manufacturing and production processes can be complex and contain many discrete steps. A designer might use a flowchart to communicate the sequence of steps. 

In MYP Design, you might use a flowchart for Criterion B4 and C1, where you are required to present plan for production. 

In DP Design, you might use a flow chart for Criterion C1 to describe the steps in the production process.

Flowcharts are essential descriptions of how a decision is made. After conducting research on their user's needs, designers might use a flow chart to describe  how users make a decision. This can help uncover and illuminate the user's needs.

These types of flowcharts can also be very graphical in nature, resembling a mindmap.