{"id":5168,"date":"2019-05-13T07:00:10","date_gmt":"2019-05-13T12:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/juneux.com\/blog\/?p=5168"},"modified":"2019-05-18T23:08:42","modified_gmt":"2019-05-19T04:08:42","slug":"ux-word-of-the-day-wayfinding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/juneux.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/ux-word-of-the-day-wayfinding\/","title":{"rendered":"UX Word of the Day: Wayfinding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever been inside the Minneapolis skyway\u2014the human-size hamster tunnel\u2014you immediately understand the critical need for clear wayfinding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The skyway system is notoriously confusing. Each building owns their branch of the skyway system\u2014so signage is terribly inconsistent or non-existent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Wayfinding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Helping users find their way to their destination using design cues\u2014signage, labeling, arrows.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

How to test wayfinding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On websites and apps, use a research method called a \u201ctree test\u201d to measure the effectiveness of your architecture and labels. A tree test is very similar to a usability study. Participants are given realistic tasks to complete, and then they look through the navigation and select where they expect to find the answer to the task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also test wayfinding in real life spaces. Observe participants complete wayfinding tasks, or attach a GPS tracker to record their paths. Use a stop watch to time how long it takes for them to find their destination. Count and log wrong turns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also: UX Word of the Day Index<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Articles<\/h2>\n\n\n