Navigation and Information Architecture
From Userfocus' 247 web usability guidelines page:
- There is a convenient and obvious way to move between related pages and sections and it is easy to return to the home page.
- The information that users are most likely to need is easy to navigate to from most pages.
- Navigation choices are ordered in the most logical or task-oriented manner.
- The navigation system is broad and shallow (many items on a menu) rather than deep (many menu levels).
- The site structure is simple, with a clear conceptual model and no unnecessary levels.
- The major sections of the site are available from every page (persistent navigation) and there are no dead ends.
- Navigation tabs are located at the top of the page, and look like clickable versions of real-world tabs.
- There is a site map that provides an overview of the site's content.
- The site map is linked to from every page.
- The site map provides a concise overview of the site, not a rehash of the main navigation or a list of every single topic.
- Good navigational feedback is provided (e.g. showing where you are in the site).
- Category labels accurately describe the information in the category.
- Links and navigation labels contain the "trigger words" that users will look for to achieve their goal.
- Terminology and conventions (such as link colours) are (approximately) consistent with general web usage.
- Links look the same in the different sections of the site.
- Product pages contain links to similar and complementary products to support cross-selling.
- The terms used for navigation items and hypertext links are unambiguous and jargon-free.
- Users can sort and filter catalogue pages (e.g. by listing in price order, or showing 'most popular').
- There is a visible change when the mouse points at something clickable (excluding cursor changes).
- Important content can be accessed from more than one link (different users may require different link labels).
- Navigation-only pages (such as the home page) can be viewed without scrolling.
- Hypertext links that invoke actions (e.g downloads, new windows) are clearly distinguished from hypertext links that load another page.
- The site allows the user to control the pace and sequence of the interaction.
- There are clearly marked exits on every page allowing the user to bale out of the current task without having to go through an extended dialog.
- The site does not disable the browser's "Back" button and the "Back" button appears on the browser toolbar on every page.
- Clicking the back button always takes the user back to the page the user came from.
- A link to both the basket and checkout is clearly visible on every page.
- If the site spawns new windows, these will not confuse the user (e.g. they are dialog-box sized and can be easily closed).
- Menu instructions, prompts and messages appear on the same place on each screen.
