Information architecture part 7-8 Labeling and navigation systems

Bad labeling is when labels aren’t representative of the content and doesn’t separate content in a clear way. What is bad labeling gonna do for your buisiness?

Labels representing the options in navigation systems. Since navigation systems usually have a small number of options their labels demands consistent application more than any other type of label. They should be formed with consistency and look the same on all pages. Be aware to name navigation systems to in-house (internt). Everybody needs to understand and is prevented by user research. Unclear navigation labels is a waste of money and wont make a good impression. If you use Icon-language they HAVE to be easy to understand.

Contextual links

Headings

Navigation system choices

Index terms

Hyperlinks to chunks of info. E.g. Related products, article

Contextual links

Headings

Navigation system choices

Index terms

Labels that describe the content and establish a hierarchy within the content through font size, font color etc.

Contextual links

Headings

Navigation system choices

Index terms

Guidelines when naming stuff. Hint: Think about context, content and users perspective

Style (all caps, punctuation etc use style guides)

Presentation (colors, margins etc)

Syntax (nouns, same language)

Comprehensiveness (the labels must make sense to why they are there)

Audience (language of the user)

What is a Global navigation system?

Sitemaps, indexes etc. That exists outside the content bearing pages.

Complements the global navigation. E.g. Highlighted sub-sites under the highlighted global nav system

provide information for where you are. Always provide contextual clues e.g. The logo on every page and consistency in the visual design.

Specific to a page or content. E.g. ”see also”-links •Navigation systems needs to exist together and complement each other.

Show where the user are, e.g. Highlighted which page your on in the navigation-bar

Local and contextual navigation that are integrated within site pages. Providing context and flexibility. Help users understand where they are and where they can go.

What is Supplemental navigation systems?

Sitemaps, indexes etc. That exists outside the content bearing pages.

Complements the global navigation. E.g. Highlighted sub-sites under the highlighted global nav system

provide information for where you are. Always provide contextual clues e.g. The logo on every page and consistency in the visual design.

Specific to a page or content. E.g. ”see also”-links •Navigation systems needs to exist together and complement each other.

Show where the user are, e.g. Highlighted which page your on in the navigation-bar

Local and contextual navigation that are integrated within site pages. Providing context and flexibility. Help users understand where they are and where they can go.

How does a global navigation system look on a webpage?

Sitemaps, indexes etc. That exists outside the content bearing pages.

Complements the global navigation. E.g. Highlighted sub-sites under the highlighted global nav system

provide information for where you are. Always provide contextual clues e.g. The logo on every page and consistency in the visual design.

Specific to a page or content. E.g. ”see also”-links •Navigation systems needs to exist together and complement each other.

Show where the user are, e.g. Highlighted which page your on in the navigation-bar

Local and contextual navigation that are integrated within site pages. Providing context and flexibility. Help users understand where they are and where they can go.

How does a Local navigation system look on a webpage?

Sitemaps, indexes etc. That exists outside the content bearing pages.

Complements the global navigation. E.g. Highlighted sub-sites under the highlighted global nav system

provide information for where you are. Always provide contextual clues e.g. The logo on every page and consistency in the visual design.

Specific to a page or content. E.g. ”see also”-links •Navigation systems needs to exist together and complement each other.

Show where the user are, e.g. Highlighted which page your on in the navigation-bar

Local and contextual navigation that are integrated within site pages. Providing context and flexibility. Help users understand where they are and where they can go.

What is contextual navigation?

Sitemaps, indexes etc. That exists outside the content bearing pages.

Complements the global navigation. E.g. Highlighted sub-sites under the highlighted global nav system

provide information for where you are. Always provide contextual clues e.g. The logo on every page and consistency in the visual design.

Specific to a page or content. E.g. ”see also”-links •Navigation systems needs to exist together and complement each other.

Show where the user are, e.g. Highlighted which page your on in the navigation-bar

Local and contextual navigation that are integrated within site pages. Providing context and flexibility. Help users understand where they are and where they can go.

What does Placemaking do?

Sitemaps, indexes etc. That exists outside the content bearing pages.

Complements the global navigation. E.g. Highlighted sub-sites under the highlighted global nav system

provide information for where you are. Always provide contextual clues e.g. The logo on every page and consistency in the visual design.

Specific to a page or content. E.g. ”see also”-links •Navigation systems needs to exist together and complement each other.

Show where the user are, e.g. Highlighted which page your on in the navigation-bar

Local and contextual navigation that are integrated within site pages. Providing context and flexibility. Help users understand where they are and where they can go.

Information architecture part 7-8 Labeling and navigation systems

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