Information Architecture
Large websites are complex information environments that are constantly growing as new pages and resources are developed. To be effective, they must accommodate a variety of information retrieval needs and techniques.
Information Architecture is part of the process of defining a website and how it will work. It can help:
- Clarify the aims of the site and balance the needs of the organisation with those of site users.
- Identify how users will find information on the site and how this will be facilitated.
- Specify the content and functionality of the site.
Most sites are multifaceted and non-linear, so there are many ways information may be categorised and presented. Web Usability can help you determine the most appropriate Information Architecture for your site.
Navigation Testing
The primary aim of this form of testing is to measure how well information is grouped on a site and the appropriateness of navigation labels.
Navigation Testing by Web Usability is a user-centred, task-based process for determining the primary (first level) navigation choices users make when attempting to obtain information from a site.
- Navigation Testings is useful for validating assumptions about the overall site architecture.
- The process uses paper mock-ups of the webpage(s) that show the navigation elements.
- For many sites a mock-up of the homepage with the primary navigation is all that is required.
Navigation testing is often undertaken before the preparation of site pages or page templates. As such, it is a highly cost-effective way of identifying and avoiding problems users might have when seeking information from a site