Getting Started
Studyflow is a visual language for defining research workflows and scientific experiments. It builds on BPMN and adds research-focused components to make it accessible to scientists.
Here is a quick, streamlined path to creating your first studyflow diagram. Once you’ve completed this, you can explore more advanced features in the reference section.
Requirements
- Studyflow Modeler (web-based, no installation required)
- List of Studyflow elements
- A BPMN cheat sheet (optional, but helpful)
Basic elements
A studyflow diagram is composed of a set of elements that define the structure and flow of the study. To get started, it’s important to understand the core elements of the studyflow language:
Event: circles represent the start and end of a study, as well as intermediate events that can trigger actions.
Activity: rectangles represent activities or steps in the study, such as cognitive tests, questionnaires, or instructions.
Gateway: diamonds represent decision points that can alter the flow of the study based on conditions or randomization.
Data Object: file-like shapes represent transient data produced or consumed by other elements.
Data Store: cylinders represent persistent data storage, such as databases. Unlike data objects, data stores retain information beyond the scope of a single study instance.
Sequence Flow: arrows connect events, activities, and gateways to define the order of elements.
Here is an example diagram:
Graphical notation
Studyflow uses a specific graphical notation to convey the semantics of each element. Different types of activities, for example, can have different icons to indicate their type:
These icons extends the standard BPMN icons. For a complete list, see Reference › Elements.