interfacedesignNavigation systems and user interfaces

“WAYFINDING”1. Orientation2. Route decisions3. Mental mapping4. Closure

Maps & navis1. Paths2. Regions3. Nodes4. Landmarks

paths• Consistent and predictable links• Internal (habitual to the user)• External (breadcrumb trails)

regions• Identifiable regions and spaces• Consistent yet flexible/customizable• Page grid, terminology, links

Nodes• Too much choices can be overwhelming• Balance between user freedom and guidance

LANDMARKS• Orientation cues (“You are here”)• Use of graphics and titles

Search tools• Users see less of the homepage• They have expectations of where search bars

are located

Design tips: Clear navigation

Design tips: No dead ends

Design tips: Simple yet unique

Design tips: Visible graphic identity

Design tips: Composition

Trends in web

composition

Web Design conventions

Web Design conventions

More conventions• Informative title• Author or institution• Date created and revised/edited• Copyright/ownership statements• Link to home/main page• Alt text for images• Headings for sections