Contents 2. Information Architecture & Wayfinding
How users locate information, orient themselves, and move through the system.
These govern how users navigate, explore, and progress through the system.
Mission statement
Help users locate information, orient themselves, and move through systems without confusion, disorientation, or unnecessary effort.
Subcategories
1.Information HierarchyWhat matters most and why.“Is what matters most perceptually obvious to your users before they act?”9 directives2.DiscoverabilityWhat systems reveal they can do.“Can users of your system discover core capabilities without instruction?”7 directives3.NavigationHow users move and stay oriented.“Can users move in your system without losing orientation or context?”9 directives4.Progressive DisclosureHow complexity is revealed safely.“Does complexity in your system appear to users gradually without surprise or loss of control?”9 directives5.StateWhat a system remembers for users.“Does your system reliably remember and reveal state that affects users’ outcomes?”9 directives6.ExplorabilityHow users learn through safe exploration.“Can users of your system safely learn by doing without fear of damage?”9 directives7.Search & LabelingHow users find what they cannot see.“Can users of your system find information by name, even when they do not know where it is?”9 directives