Organizing Your Website’s Content Effectively
In web design, Information Architecture (IA) is the strategic arrangement of content to ensure visitors can easily locate what they need. A well-organized site allows users to find desired information, even when it’s several levels deep within the navigation.
Establishing Information Hierarchy
Effective IA begins with a clear hierarchy of information. At the top level is the main navigation, typically located on the left-hand side of your webpage. When refining or creating your site’s information hierarchy, aim to categorize all content under a maximum of 8 main categories.
Example of Wesleyan University Website Navigation
Ensure that your content is organized logically so that visitors can intuitively navigate to deeper levels. For instance, if a visitor is seeking a staff member’s contact information within your department, a structured information hierarchy might feature a top-level navigation item like ‘About Us,’ followed by ‘People,’ and then ‘Staff,’ where the staff member’s details are listed. This layered approach guides users step-by-step, ensuring they feel confident in their navigation path.
Clear Labeling
Clear labels, titles, and headings are essential for helping visitors quickly identify relevant content or navigate towards it. Effective labeling ensures users can easily follow the ‘information scent’ and understand they are on the right path.
Choosing Familiar Labels
Opt for labels that are familiar and straightforward to your site’s visitors. In the example above, labels like ‘About Us,’ ‘People,’ and ‘Staff’ are clear and directly indicate their content. Avoid using overly unique or clever labels that might confuse users, even if they appear entertaining. Such labels can diminish the usability of your site and hinder users’ ability to navigate its information architecture effectively.