Located: research topics > web navigation

The importance of heirarchy and structure in site design

Authors: Lynch and Horton (1997)

Abstract: This research is taken from the Yale Style Manual for web site design, and suggests that for navigation to be effective the planning of a site structure and heirarchy is critical - and that uniformity and a structured approach will aid navigation.

Most people can hold only 4 to seven discreet chunks of info in short term memory.

User rarely read long passages of text on a computer screen ­ they either print it or need it broken into smaller blocks. Computer screens inhibit predictability in reading, because users must remember context of information, without visually seeing that context. This is consistent with research by USA Today on its reader habits and concepts by Toby Braun in his Lexia Project.

Four basic steps ­ divide into logical units, establish hierarchy, use hierarchy to structure relationships among chunks, analyse the success of your system.

A uniform format allows a user to predict how a site will work, and where to find information. Consistency, and a logical organisation of info comes into this. The concept of a mental model (of the site). This relates to comments by Dr Jakob Nielsen where he believes conventions are critical in navigability.

Hierarchical organisation is virtually a necessity on the web. ­ because most homepage and link schemes depend on hierarchies. But Jorn@mcs.com says that formal structures are more often a hindrance than help. He believes the concept is espousing a rigid approach merely for the sake of it, and that this is against the essence of the web which encourages a form of visual freedom.

Web sites can grow organically, so initial structure is important.

The idea of too shallow a site ­ creating a laundry list of unrelated topics ­ or too deep a site steering users through long nested menus.

Menus should have at least 4-5 links and can carry up to a dozen links.

Menus aim is to enable quick access, but also let people know how you have organised things.

The onus is on clear organisation despite the benefits of web hyperlinking.

Structures ­ sequential (usually only suitable for smaller sites), grids (suitable for matrix information ­ but better for experienced audiences who can recognise that matrix. Graphic overview maps are a good tool to help decode grids), hierarchy (familiar as a navigational metaphor, and to construct a mental model), web (goal to mimic associative thought and idiosyncratic patterns)

The complexity vs linearity chart for the above structures.

Always include a link to a menu or homepage on every page of the site ­ allow users to access the site from sub home pages if  necessary.

Sun user interface expert Dr. Jakob Nielsen estimates corporations face a 5 minutes a week saving through consistent design and organisation ­ a saving of $10m a year.

Managing design standards can be difficult.

Site covers ­ consider the audience. An elegant but non-functional cover will quickly become tedious if users are forced to visit it regularly.