Website Labels

This is an important aspect of designing the navigation of a website information architecture.

Clear labels improve navigation accuracy: creating clear and distinct labels for navigation elements enhances performance.

We use labels to clarify what we are describing and to limit confusion.

The finest result of such a fit to purpose is what information researchers call 'scent' - the capacity of a categorisation at one level to suggest to its user what may be found at lower levels.

Focus on terms visitors will use - using layman's terms instead of technical terms or organisational / industry jargon; assume no prior knowledge of how responsibilities are allocated within your organisation. Use terms that the users will understand instantly, intuitively, and clearly.

Common usage is more important than academic accuracy when choosing the names and positions of headings.