Studio of Stories

Guiding users through digital spaces

Erickson Lief states that navigation is very similar to wayfinding in the physical world. Just like we rely on signs and maps to naviate cities that we visit, users depend on intuitive navigation to explore websites. When it comes to digital design, this translates to clear menus, search functions as well as consistent layouts that help users find their way in a seamless and stress free manner.

Everyday Examples: Think of IA as a layout of a library, a layout that helps you determine where different genres are places. Navigation is the signage and the catalog system that guides the library’s visitors to their desired books

Types of navigation systems

Erickson has categorized navigation systems into two main types:

• Embedded Navigation: These are integrated within the content, such as global navigation bars, local menus, and contextual links
• Supplement Navigation: These support the main navigation and include sitemaps, indexes and guides

Everyday Examples: In a museum, embedded navigation is like the directional signs within exhibits, while supplement navigation is akin to the museum map that is handed out to its visitors at the entrance

Psychological & Menu Design

Lief’s lecture notes also dive into the psychological principles that influence how users interact with menus:

• Miller’s Law: Suggests that the average person can hold 7+2 items in their working memory
• Hick’s law: Suggests that the time it takes to make a decision increases with the number and complexity of choices

Everyday Examples: Fast food menus often group items into categories like burgers, sides, drinks, desserts to simplify choices which in return prevents decision paralysis.

Context is key

A crucial aspect of navigation is helping users understand their current location within digital space. This involves consistent branding, clear headings, and breadcrumb trail that indicates the user’s path.

Everyday Example: In a shopping mall, directions and store maps help visitors know where they are and how to get to their desired destination. Similarly, websites use visual cues to orient it’s users

Practical Applications of IA principles

• Conduct User Research: Understand your audience’s needs and behaviour
• Create Clear Structure: Develops intutitive hierarchies and consistent navigation patterns
• Test and Iterate: Use user testing to identify pain points and refine navigation elements

Everyday Examples: When designing a mobile app, app developers often use user feedback to adjust menu layouts to ensure that the most used features are easily accessible