Primary Role: Workflow Manager
Learning Focus: Apply
Where: Workflow Editor & Mobilize AI
🎯 Why This Matters
“Pencil whipping” happens when users rush through workflows without meaningful observation or input. Poor workflow design makes this more likely—and reduces the value of your data.
📝 What Causes Pencil Whipping
Users are more likely to rush when workflows:
Feel too long or repetitive
Ask unclear or generic questions
Don’t explain why detail matters
Allow skipping without consequence
Good design can reduce these behaviors.
🛠️ Design Choices That Improve Quality
To encourage thoughtful completion:
Ask clear, specific questions
Use photos or text where observation matters
Break long workflows into logical steps
Trigger follow-up questions when risk is identified
Make it easier to do the right thing than to rush.
⚠️ What to Avoid
Avoid designs that:
Overuse required fields without purpose
Rely only on yes/no questions for complex topics
Force long text when short input is enough
Add friction without improving insight
More enforcement doesn’t always mean better data.
✅ What Good Looks Like
Well-designed workflows:
Take an appropriate amount of time to complete
Capture evidence where it matters
Feel fair and reasonable to users
Produce data you trust
Users should understand why the workflow matters—not just how to finish it.
👉 Quick Design Check
If a workflow can be completed without observing anything meaningful, revisit the design.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Pencil whipping is often a design issue
Clear questions and evidence improve quality
Good UX supports better behavior