Identify Navigation Systems

Navigation systems consist of tools that enable users to find their way around a site. Such tools tell users where they are, where they have been, and how to get to where they want to go. While browsers are equipped with basic navigational features like Back, Forward, History and Bookmark, a complex Web site needs to provide more navigational help. Navigation features can be classified as Global, Local, or Supplemental.

Labels represent groupings of information. Organization and navigation systems cannot exist without labels. An example of a label is "User Profile." The label might accompany a clickable button and lead to a grouping of information about the user. Well-designed labels can efficiently convey complex ideas in a minimum of space. Successful label use requires creating a labeling system, in which the user can readily grasp a logic and consistency in the way labels are deployed.
The following Slide Show will illustrate several types of navigation and labeling features.

Click the link below to read about various types of navigational elements.
Navigational Elements
In the following lesson, you will learn more about another key component of information architecture which is searching.