16. Site Layout

16.1.1 Divide large blocks of information into manageable groups

Divide large blocks of information into more manageable groups where natural and appropriate.

Related Recommendation(s)

16.1.4 - Provide information about document collections

Rationale for this recommendation

This recommendation benefits all users.

Not all information behaves like a single document. Users are familiar with the similar structuring of conventional printed matter such as books and magazines.

It intuitively assists navigation of content.

Utilisation of relevant HTML elements (such as the “P” element for paragraphs) is more likely to enable a web site to be “understood” by assistive technologies such as screen readers. Utilising these elements can enhance accessibility of a web site for users utilising such assistive technologies.

16.1.2 Provide information about the general layout of a site

Provide information about the general layout of a site (e.g., a site map or table of contents).

Guide to this recommendation

The term “web site” can be vague as to the size of the site. It can be anything from a single page upwards. Refer to Agency Web Site Types in the Glossary of Key Concepts.

The usefulness of this recommendation increases as the size of the site (number of pages) increases, and common sense applies. If a site has a minimal number of pages, then a site map or table of contents could quite possibly be overkill and its usefulness questionable.

This recommendation covers the W3C WAI checkpoint 13.3 for NZ government agencies.

Rationale for this recommendation

A site map enhances navigation, particularly when the structure of the site becomes more complex. The ideal site structure is a matter of subjectivity. A site may seem to its designers to be a dream to navigate, but may be found disorientating and confusing by some users, who will become frustrated trying to figure out the structure of the site. A site map or table of contents can assist, no matter how much the structure of the site is perceived to have been well-designed.

16.1.3 Placement of distinguishing information

Place distinguishing information at the beginning of headings, paragraphs, lists, etc.

Guide to this recommendation

Place appropriately worded “headers” at the beginning of each content “block”, i.e. chapter, paragraph, sentence etc. The header should have the minimal number of words possible, to convey the meaning of what the block represents.

Employing and/or gaining the assistance of a specialist in written content are also useful.

Related Standard(s)

3.2 - Use elements to convey document structure and mark-up lists properly

Related Recommendation(s)

Adhering to the following will assist with this recommendation:

5.1.1 - Use the clearest and simplest language appropriate for a site's content

16.1.1 - Divide large blocks of information into manageable groups

This recommendation covers the W3C WAI checkpoint 13.8 for NZ government agencies.

Rationale for this recommendation

Users wish to find whatever they are seeking as soon as possible, and having to scan through volumes of content is tiring and cumbersome. Users with visual impairments can tire very quickly, making it impossible to continue searching.

Placing distinguishing information at the beginning of headings, paragraphs, lists etc., assists the speed to scan through content, and eliminates the need for reading through unnecessary content.

16.1.4 Provide information about document collections

Provide information about document collections (i.e. documents comprising multiple pages.).

Related Recommendation(s)

16.1.1 - Divide large blocks of information into manageable groups

This recommendation covers the W3C WAI checkpoint 13.9 for NZ government agencies.

Rationale for this recommendation

Primarily for facilitating reading of one or more documents off-line. A coherent “package” of documents with adequate information about the content of the package (or collection) assists the user in choosing whether to download.

16.1.5 Create a style of presentation that is consistent across pages

Guide to this recommendation

Utilisation of style sheets can assist with this.

Rationale for this recommendation

Consistency makes your site more predictable and helps users to learn how it works, making it easier for them to navigate to the information they want, each time they visit a site. It also helps users to skip unwanted chunks of navigation or content, which makes task completion or information retrieval more efficient.

16.1.6 A homepage has a link to Search or a Search box.

Guide to this recommendation

If a search facility is offered on a web site, then it is expected the search facility itself resides on a homepage, or the homepage has a link to a page with more comprehensive search facilities.

The agency may offer Search facilities subject to the practicality of doing so. The value of search facilities grows in proportion to the size of a web site. If the site is very small, of the order of 3 pages or less, a search facility would be somewhat superfluous. However, the agency in such cases may still decide a search facility adds value.

A search facility can be considered an extended navigation tool. The agency may determine that the navigational facilities offered on their web site, such as a site map, are sufficient to cover the requirements of a search facility.

The definition of ‘homepage’ for NZ government agency web sites is in the Glossary of Key Concepts.

Related Recommendation(s)

8.1.2 - Differing searches for skill levels if searching provided

Rationale for this recommendation

Users wish to find whatever they are seeking as soon as possible. A search facility, if enabled, is a navigational tool most web users are familiar with. Users should thus be able to find the search facility with ease.