Swimlanes Diagram Template

Clarify roles and replace lengthy written processes with visuals.

About the Swimlanes Diagram Template

When processes start to get messy, it’s a good idea to take a step back and visualize who does what and when. Enter: the swimlanes diagram. This digestible, one-stop visual representation uses the metaphor of lanes in a pool to clarify a complex process.

Keep reading to learn more about how to use swimlanes diagrams, and how they can help your team stay organized!

What is a swimlanes diagram

A swimlanes diagram takes a familiar, everyday physical place (a lap pool) and turns the idea of “swimlanes” into a metaphor for organizing processes within a team, work group, department, or multilayered organization.

When too many swimmers in your process start to muddy the water, use swimlanes diagrams to clarify. Swimlanes diagrams are a simple, visually appealing way to uncomplicate processes that would otherwise be overly complex.

Create your own swimlanes diagram

Creating a swimlanes diagram is easy (and your team will thank you!). Miro’s Swimlanes Diagram Template is the perfect way to create and present clear responsibilities, process, and your new way of working. Get started by selecting the Miro Swimlanes Diagram template, then follow these steps to make it your own.

Be clear about your goals. Before you start diagramming, determine your desired outcome. Usually swimlanes come out of an organizational need to visualize how multiple contributors or teams work together through the various stages of a process.
Name your swimlanes and start mapping out a process. Customize the flowchart to map your process so you can quickly identify gaps, role redundancies, roadblocks, and bottlenecks—if there’s an inefficiency, you’ll find it right away.
Interview stakeholders to get buy-in and clarity. In order to get greater clarity and buy-in, conduct quick interviews with stakeholders to find out how their responsibilities fit into the broader, holistic process. These can be adjusted while you work!
Finish your flow mapping, or the “who does what.” These may be employees, smaller working groups, or large departments. Remember, there’s no wrong way to draw your pool! You can use as many lanes as your process demands and they can go north to south or east to west – whichever way makes the most sense for your needs!