A comprehensive prompt template for designing intuitive, scalable navigation systems that guide users seamlessly through digital products. Perfect for UI/UX designers, information architects, and product teams building websites, mobile apps, or enterprise applications with complex content structures.
Use this prompt to design a complete navigation system tailored to your product's information architecture and user needs. Replace bracketed placeholders with specific details about your project including platform, content structure, user types, and complexity level. The output will provide comprehensive navigation designs covering primary and secondary patterns, responsive behavior, accessibility features, and implementation guidelines. For optimal results, conduct card sorting or tree testing with users beforehand to validate your information architecture, and provide examples of navigation styles that align with your brand aesthetic.
Navigation pattern selection depends on multiple factors including content volume, hierarchy depth, platform, and user behavior. Horizontal top navigation works best for websites with 5-7 primary sections and relatively flat hierarchies, offering familiarity and desktop-optimized browsing. Vertical sidebar navigation suits applications with 8+ sections or deep hierarchies where users need persistent access to navigation, particularly common in admin dashboards and productivity tools. Bottom tab bars excel for mobile apps requiring frequent switching between 3-5 core functions, keeping primary actions thumb-accessible. Hamburger menus conserve screen space but hide navigation, working best when combined with clear labels and search functionality. Mega menus suit e-commerce and content-heavy sites with complex catalogs, allowing users to see multiple options simultaneously without deep clicking. Consider hybrid approaches combining multiple patterns: a horizontal top navigation for primary categories with a persistent sidebar for sub-sections, or a bottom tab bar for core functions with a hamburger menu for additional options. Analyze user analytics to identify high-traffic paths and ensure your chosen pattern makes those destinations easily accessible.
Effective navigation design begins with solid information architecture that reflects user mental models rather than organizational structure. Conduct card sorting exercises where users group and label content naturally, revealing intuitive categorization patterns. Organize navigation around user goals and tasks rather than company departments or internal terminology—users want to 'Track Order' not 'Customer Service Portal.' Apply the 7±2 rule: human working memory typically handles 5-9 items effectively, so limit top-level navigation to this range. For deeper hierarchies, implement progressive disclosure showing only relevant sub-navigation based on context, preventing overwhelming menus. Use descriptive, action-oriented labels that clearly communicate destination or outcome: 'Create New Project' beats 'Projects' for task-focused navigation. Maintain consistent labeling conventions throughout—if you use verbs in one section (Browse Products), use verbs consistently (View Orders, Track Shipping) rather than mixing with nouns. Test your information architecture through tree testing, where users navigate text-only hierarchies to find specific content, validating findability before visual design begins. Monitor analytics to identify high-exit pages, bounce rates, and search queries that indicate navigation failures requiring restructuring.
Mobile navigation presents unique challenges with limited screen space and touch-based interactions requiring thoughtful pattern selection. The bottom tab bar pattern keeps primary navigation thumb-accessible on larger devices, ideal for apps requiring frequent section switching like social media, messaging, or content platforms. Limit bottom tabs to 3-5 items with clear icons and concise labels, using badges for notifications or counts. Hamburger menus conserve space but research shows they reduce discoverability and engagement—if using hamburger navigation, combine with clear menu labels, preview key items outside the menu, or implement hybrid approaches. Priority+ navigation shows as many items as screen width permits with overflow items in a 'More' menu, adapting gracefully across breakpoints. Consider gesture-based navigation like swipe-to-open menus or edge swipes for back navigation, but provide visible buttons as alternatives since gesture discoverability remains low. Implement sticky headers carefully—they provide persistent access but consume vertical space which is precious on mobile. Test thoroughly with one-handed usage scenarios, ensuring interactive elements fall within comfortable thumb zones (bottom 60% of screen for most users). Never rely on hover-based interactions on mobile; use tap to open dropdowns with clear expand/collapse indicators.
Navigation significantly impacts perceived performance and user success rates, requiring continuous testing and optimization. Implement lazy loading for mega menus and complex dropdowns, rendering content only when users interact to improve initial page load. Prefetch high-probability destinations on hover (with debouncing) to make subsequent navigation feel instant. Monitor navigation metrics including task success rates (can users find specific content), time to complete tasks, number of clicks to destination, and search usage rates which often indicate navigation failures. Conduct A/B testing on navigation patterns—try horizontal vs. vertical layouts, different label wording, or varying information architectures while measuring conversion rates, engagement, and bounce rates. Use session recordings to observe real user navigation behavior, identifying confusion points, dead ends, or unexpected paths. Perform usability testing with realistic tasks like 'Find your order history' or 'Update payment method,' observing where users hesitate, click wrong items, or express frustration. Test with diverse user groups including novices and experts, as optimal patterns may differ based on familiarity. Ensure navigation renders correctly across browsers and devices, particularly testing iOS Safari, Chrome mobile, and various screen sizes. Validate accessibility through keyboard-only navigation, screen reader testing with NVDA or JAWS, and color contrast verification for all states.
You are an expert information architect specializing in creating intuitive, user-centered content structures and navigation systems. Your task is to design a comprehensive information architecture and site map for the following project. Project Context: [DESCRIBE YOUR WEBSITE, APPLICATION, OR DIGITAL PRODUCT] Business Goals: [SPECIFY KEY OBJECTIVES - E.G., INCREASE CONVERSIONS, IMPROVE ENGAGEMENT, REDUCE SUPPORT CALLS] Target Users: [DESCRIBE PRIMARY USER SEGMENTS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS] Content Inventory: [LIST MAIN CONTENT TYPES, SECTIONS, AND VOLUME - E.G., 200 PRODUCT PAGES, BLOG, RESOURCES, SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION] User Research Insights: [SUMMARIZE FINDINGS FROM CARD SORTING, USER INTERVIEWS, ANALYTICS, OR USABILITY TESTS] Existing Challenges: [DESCRIBE CURRENT IA PROBLEMS - E.G., HIGH BOUNCE RATES, NAVIGATION CONFUSION, POOR SEARCH RESULTS] Technical Constraints: [MENTION ANY PLATFORM LIMITATIONS, CMS REQUIREMENTS, OR TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS] Based on this information, create a comprehensive information architecture strategy and site map that includes: 1. IA Foundation and Strategy: - **Organizational Principles**: Define how content will be structured (hierarchical, sequential, matrix, database, or hybrid) - **User Mental Models**: Explain how the IA aligns with user expectations and natural groupings - **Taxonomy Development**: Create consistent labeling conventions, categories, and naming schemes - **Navigation Strategy**: Recommend primary navigation types (global, local, contextual, utility) 2. Comprehensive Site Map: - **Hierarchical Structure**: Visualize the complete site structure from homepage to all major sections and subsections - **Page Hierarchy**: Show parent-child relationships and content depth (aim for 3-4 levels maximum) - **Page Descriptions**: Brief purpose statement for each major section - **Cross-Linking Opportunities**: Identify contextual connections between related content areas 3. Navigation Architecture: - **Primary Navigation**: Main menu structure with top-level categories and subcategories - **Secondary Navigation**: Contextual menus, filters, faceted navigation for specific sections - **Utility Navigation**: Account, settings, help, and other support functions - **Footer Navigation**: Supplementary links, legal pages, and site utilities - **Breadcrumbs and Wayfinding**: Location indicators to prevent users from getting lost 4. Content Grouping and Prioritization: - Organize content into logical groups based on user tasks and mental models - Prioritize content based on user needs and business goals - Recommend content chunking strategies to reduce cognitive load - Identify orphaned or redundant content that should be consolidated or removed 5. Search and Findability: - Search strategy and placement recommendations - Metadata schema for improved findability - Filtering and sorting mechanisms for large content sets - Tag taxonomy for content discovery 6. User Flow Integration: - Map primary user paths through the IA to accomplish key tasks - Identify potential friction points in navigation - Recommend entry points for different user segments - Suggest conversion-optimized pathways 7. Scalability and Governance: - Design IA to accommodate future content growth - Provide content governance guidelines for maintaining IA integrity - Recommend URL structure that supports SEO and IA longevity - Suggest migration strategy if redesigning existing site 8. Testing and Validation: - Recommend IA testing methods (tree testing, first-click tests, card sorting validation) - Propose success metrics to evaluate IA effectiveness (task completion rates, time-to-find, navigation path efficiency) - Suggest iterative refinement approach based on analytics and user feedback Ensure the information architecture is grounded in user research and mental models, balances user needs with business objectives, follows established IA principles and best practices, provides clear navigation paths for all user types, and scales effectively as content grows.
You are an expert UX researcher specializing in information architecture and usability testing methodologies. Create a comprehensive research plan that includes both card sorting and tree testing studies for the following project: Project Overview: [PRODUCT OR WEBSITE NAME AND PURPOSE] Current IA Status: [NEW DESIGN, REDESIGN, OR OPTIMIZATION] Content Scope: [NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTENT ITEMS TO ORGANIZE] Target Users: [PRIMARY USER DEMOGRAPHICS AND BEHAVIORS] Key User Tasks: [TOP 3-5 TASKS USERS NEED TO ACCOMPLISH] Research Timeline: [AVAILABLE TIMEFRAME FOR STUDIES] Research Budget: [AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND TOOLS] Develop a complete research plan that includes: 1. CARD SORTING STUDY DESIGN - Study type selection (open, closed, or hybrid) with rationale based on project goals - Card preparation: How many cards, content selection criteria, and card labeling guidelines - Category considerations: Pre-defined categories for closed sorts or category creation instructions for open sorts - Participant recruitment: Sample size recommendations (minimum 15-30 participants), screening criteria, and recruitment channels - Moderated vs unmoderated approach with pros and cons for this specific context - Step-by-step session protocol including instructions, time estimates, and facilitator guidelines - Tools and platforms recommendation (online vs physical, specific software options) 2. TREE TESTING STUDY DESIGN - Tree structure preparation: How to build the text-only hierarchy from card sorting results or existing IA - Task scenario development: 5-10 realistic, specific tasks that reflect actual user goals - Task wording best practices to avoid leading participants or revealing answers - Participant requirements: Sample size (30-60 recommended), overlap with card sorting participants or fresh panel - Success metrics definition: Direct vs indirect paths, task completion rates, time-on-task benchmarks - Testing tool selection and setup instructions - Session flow and participant instructions 3. SEQUENTIAL RESEARCH WORKFLOW - Phase 1: Card sorting execution timeline and milestones - Analysis transition: How to synthesize card sorting data into testable tree structures - Phase 2: Tree testing execution based on card sorting insights - Iteration strategy: When and how to conduct follow-up tests - Decision points: Criteria for moving from one phase to next 4. DATA ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK Card Sorting Analysis: - Similarity matrix and dendrogram interpretation - Agreement scores and consensus metrics - Category naming analysis from open sorts - Pattern identification across participant groups - Outlier and edge case handling Tree Testing Analysis: - Success rate calculations and benchmarks - Path analysis: Direct, indirect, and failed attempts - First-click analysis and its significance - Time-on-task patterns - Problem area identification (where users get lost) - Comparative analysis if testing multiple structures 5. DELIVERABLES AND RECOMMENDATIONS - Recommended IA structure with evidence-based rationale - Navigation labeling recommendations - Problem areas requiring attention with severity assessment - Quick wins vs long-term improvements - Visual documentation: Site maps, user flow diagrams, comparison matrices - Stakeholder presentation format with key insights and actionable recommendations 6. RISK MITIGATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE - Pilot testing approach to validate study design - Common pitfalls and how to avoid them - Participant fatigue management - Data quality checks and validation methods - Contingency plans for low participation or inconclusive results Ensure the plan is practical, scientifically rigorous, and aligned with industry best practices. Provide specific guidance that accounts for the project context, timeline, and resources while maintaining methodological integrity.
Create comprehensive voice and tone guidelines for [BRAND NAME] in the [INDUSTRY/SECTOR] industry. The brand offers [PRODUCTS/SERVICES] targeting [TARGET AUDIENCE]. Core brand values include [BRAND VALUES], and the brand personality can be described as [BRAND PERSONALITY]. Include a brand voice overview, 3-5 voice characteristics with 'We are/We are not' statements, tone variations for different channels and contexts, practical writing guidelines, and examples of the voice in action.