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Info Architecture    

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Labeling

A label is either an icon or a piece of text that functions as a hyperlink and/or as a header.

Labeling Rules

1. Be Consistent

1. Calling your front page "home" in one place and "main" in another place is confusing.

2. Pick a label and stay with it.

3. Be consistent with your language, too. Use only verbs ("Browse," "Contact Us") or only nouns ("Table of Contents," "Feedback Form"); don't mix the two.

2. Follow Conventions

1. It helps to use labels people will recognize. Over the years, people have grown to understand and expect certain popular Web navigation labels like "home," "browse," "contents," "contact us," "what's new," "help," and "about us." It's tempting to be creative and use "needle in a haystack" instead of "search," but when it comes to labels, you're better off using the conventional.

3. Be Descriptive

1. Avoid the temptation to squeeze all your labels into two or three words.

4. Avoid Jargon

1. Fleming's example is "Department of Targeted & Interstitial Marketing," i.e., "ad sales." Finally, don't use ambiguous labels.

2. What's the difference between "home" and "top?" "Help" and "FAQ?" Even "search" and "browse," used on the same page, can be confusing.