Web Navigation and Principles of Information Architecture

Web sites typically deploy a much richer range of navigational tools than paper-based text allows. Hyperlinks< provide multiple paths through information. Additionally, Web sites can include a variety of navigational tools such as site maps to be used simultaneously or in a sequence determined by the user. Carefully planned site navigation will ensure that site visitors can find the information you want them to find.
The following SlideShow presents examples of some common navigational tools:

Credibility refers to how believable a web site is; it is a perceived quality as judged by the visitor. A common goal in web site design is making the website more credible. This helps get a message across and the more believable your site is, the more effectively you can reach your audience and attain your goals. Good navigation helps you persuade and encourage visitors to do what you want them to. Note that the term persuasion is not necessarily a negative concept. In fact, the ancient Greeks believed persuasion to be a cornerstone of democracy. It is the abuse of persuasion that is negative. Making your site more credible, and therefore potentially more persuasive, does not mean relying on coercion and deception. Your organization has objectives and your website has objectives. You want visitors to register for a service, read specific content, go shopping, or perhaps even convince them to improve their own lives by programming in JavaScript. Making a credible site helps your cause.
In a large-scale study, design look was the most important factor influencing website credibility, and information organization was the second. When judging credibility, participants commented on how easy or hard it was to navigate the site and on how well or poorly the information fit together. The results show that easily navigable websites are likely to carry more credibility.
The Software layer is discussed in the next lesson.

Click the Exercise link below to test your knowledge of Signs and Metaphors and Information Architecture.
Navigation - Exercise