Information Architecture and Website Usability

As a web designer our job doesn’t end at programming a web application or creating custom graphics.  We need to ask ourselves, “Is the content and navigation easily understood?”  So many times users navigating through a website get lost or frustrated because the terminology is not clear, or the navigation traps you.

So many people today are at different levels when it comes to computer experience and how they interact and browse the web.  Creating simple pages, with clear terminology and navigation that channels their needs will ensure a maximum user experience.

What is Information Architecture?

Information Architecture is often related to Web site Usability and is defined by five quality components.

1. Learnability – How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design
2. Efficiency - Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks?
3. Memorability – When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they reestablish proficiency?
4. Errors - How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors?
5. Satisfaction – how pleasant is it to use the design?

So, how do I make my website more usable?

Breadcrumbs

Leaving a trail behind your navigation path as you click from page to page will help users understand where they are in the heirachy of the website and allow them to have a one click to and from any category or page that they have once visited.

Sitemap

Creating a detailed sitemap for your site no matter how small it is will help the user understand what links are available and how to quickly get from A to B.

Logo as a Link to Home

The logo on your website should always be a link to your home page.  People have a tendancy of clicking on images even though they sometimes do nothing.  Take the guess work out of your logo and point them to the home page!

Simple Terminology

Create links within your site to pages that make sense to everyone.  Say what it is and don’t get hung up on fancy words.  Keep it Simple Stupid (KISS).

Navigation System

A good navigation system will answer the following questions no matter what page you are on.

1. Where am I?

2. Where have I been?

3. Where can I go?

Conclusion

Keeping in mind the basics when it comes to designing a website for the “user” is often forgotten.  The best advice I can give when it comes to website usability is, put yourself in the frame of mind of the audience you intend to have visiting your website.  By doing this, you will eliminate some of the possibilities users may have when visiting your site and producing a more valuable and successful website that will in the end generate more revenue.