Architecture and Menus

Organizing content on a website is a very important part of usability. 0:00 People have struggled for years trying to figure out how to arrange information 0:05 with categories or tags or all kinds of different ways. 0:09 But if we consider the user-centered design, we know that presenting information logically 0:13 allows users a better chance to find it, thus helping them continue with their task. 0:18 This means understanding them and anticipating their needs. 0:23 A great real life example of navigation that provides great visual cues and usability is the supermarket. 0:27 Each aisle has a large sign with numbers in sequential order 0:35 and a list of important products found in each aisle. 0:39 Without the products listed, shoppers would have no idea what was in each aisle. 0:43 Take away the aisle number, it becomes even more difficult to give shoppers an exact location. 0:47 Both pieces provide helpful data about the structure of the supermarket 0:53 and location of each product. 0:58 Most websites use the same concept by providing a main navigation bar, usually at the top. 1:00 While website are not required to list every page or section, 1:07 they should provide the most important areas of content. 1:11 So, considering a user-centered approach can help determine what to list there. 1:14 For example, the most popular content, products, or vital information 1:18 is usually listed first. 1:23 Understanding the mission of a site or app 1:25 can usually give you clues about what to consider as the primary content. 1:28 If you have historical data, looking at the most popular sections and pages 1:32 or searches performed on your site might give you some clues, as well. 1:37 While no 2 sites have the same main menu bar, 1:42 they very often include similar choices, 1:45 including products and services, an about page to give background info, 1:48 perhaps a help section and a contact page. 1:53 Stores usually have a section to help users find locations. 1:56 Designers usually have a portfolio or a client list. 2:00 If you're designing an app, think about where you're going to provide access to a settings menu or help screen, 2:04 especially something requiring complex directions. 2:11 In both cases, you're probably going to provide a spot 2:14 where people can log in to access personalized content. 2:17 If you're unclear about what to include in the menu of your own site or app, 2:21 it's helpful to check out your competitors 2:26 and see if you can spot any patterns to give you some clues. 2:28 Quite often, the choices made across an industry, or group of similar apps and sites, 2:32 can show what your target users consider to be important navigation options. 2:37