Access

An information flowchart defines a product’s structure. Once the flowchart exists a large amount of the design work has already been done. The next stage in the process is to design the access routes between topics and controls for the user. As a result of this process the flowchart will probably change - for the better.

flowchart with access

flowchart showing access example 2

Every screen needs controls that take users forward to the place they can go, and back to the places they
came from. Each link in your flowchart represents an access route you will need to create.

 

Types of access:

lists/menu
timelines
icons/buttons
icon access example
maps

 

Anchoring
User anxiety and frustration can be increased if the interface seems to jump from place to place. The user will not feel in control of the application. There is a simple solution to this issue: rather than taking the user to the content bring new
content to the user. If you retain visual anchors such as headlines backgrounds and other key graphics, users will perceive that new material has been brought to the current location - not that they have traveled to a new location.

 

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