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A Summary of Organizational Principals
In order to assist visitors to your site in quickly finding the information they need as well as to capitalize on the hyperlinking potential of the Internet and other hypermedia products, planning is essential. The site layout should be determined based on the content that will be included and the needs of the end user. An appropriate site structure should be chosen, as well as a primary and secondary navigation scheme based on menus and submenus. Using a site metaphor can assist the user in intuitively navigating your site. Navigation elements, such as a navigation bar, should be placed in a consistent location on each page. The organization of information on each page also needs to planned to assist the visitor in quickly locating what they seek. The Yale Style Manual explains another purpose for these considerations by writing that you need to provide context or lose the reader. Clear and consistent practices in linking text and creating navigational aids will provide your users with context--they will always know where they are in your site, and whether they have left it. Herman Drost of iSiteBuild.com summarizes his advice on designing a clear organizational structure. "Generally, good navigation includes several characteristics: Offers easy to learn elements; Remains consistent; Provides feedback; Appears in context; Offers alternatives; Provides clear visual messages; Offers clear and understandable labels; Remains appropriate to the site’s purpose; Supports visitors goals and behaviors (Drost, n.d.)."
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Questions? Comments? Do I practice what I
preach? Contact me at
afensie@attbi.com. |
