Meaning
The complete chronological path and series of interactions a user takes across a product to achieve a specific goal.
Three examples from work
Product mapping
UX DesignerI mapped out the end-to-end user journey for first-time buyers.
PONotice how many steps it takes to reach the payment confirmation.
Optimization
PMWhere do users experience the most friction in the user journey?
AnalystBetween selecting a plan and entering billing address details.
Stakeholder demo
POWe simplified the user journey from seven clicks down to three.
ExecutiveThat should noticeably improve checkout completion rates.
Also called 'user journey map'. Mapping the user journey reveals friction, redundant screens, and drop-off risks.