A workflow is a story about how work moves. Most office workflows are secretly two stories: the official chart and the hallway fixes. Good design starts by listening to the hallway.
Try writing steps on paper before opening software. Paper is slow, which is an advantage. You notice where handoffs multiply and where approvals are theater.
We suggest labeling emotional costs, not only time costs. A step might be “fast” and still drain trust. That matters for sustainability.
Iteration beats rollout drama. Change one node, watch for a week, adjust. Workflows treated like monuments tend to crack first where reality bends.