Steven Heitman » Information Architect » Online NS Tutorial—Module 1

Assisting Information Architects and Others to Learn about
Information Architecture and Navigational Systems;
Promoting Professionalism and Standardization of Information Architecture

Module 1

Introduction to The NS Model

7 Commonly Used Navigational Systems for
Websites, Web Pages, and Subsites

Online Navigational Systems Tutorial.pdf

Designing User Experiences

Designing user experiences that work well (universal accessibility) for end users is definitely a component to Information Architecture. Designers define experiences from research about end users. This helps to create meaningful online experiences that work effectively from a business perspective and for end users.

Designing Effective Navigational Systems

The design of Navigational Systems that work effectively in Websites support the end user better because the end user relies on online documentation rather than printed materials or manuals.

The strongest benefit of online documentation, however, is successful communication. This benefit often exceeds savings in production costs.

Designing Navigational Systems—Getting Around

Tools for analyzing navigation systems:

Tier comparison,

Task flow comparison, and

Navigation components tracker.

Navigation system components:

Global,

Local,

Faceted search,

Breadcrumbs,

Utility,

Related links,

Social filters,

Quick links,

Site map/index,

Process/linear,

Pagination, and

Tag clouds.

Navigation patterns and behavior:

Tabs,

Vertical links,

Filmstrip,

Accordion,

Standard hyperlinking,

Landing pages,

Sub-navigation bars,

Drop-down and “mega” drop-down menus,

Fly-out and “mega” fly-out menus, and

Cascading menus.

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Last updated: August 1, 2010

Steven Heitman
IA Design & Usability
Information Architect
User Experience Designer
Project Manager