Designing The Path of Least Resistance

Getting a user from Point A to Point B may not always be a straight line, but it should still follow the path of least resistance. Deciding where content, features and functions reside and how a user will get to them within an interface is critical to good design.

Information Design Activities

Before we even think about the visuals and graphics, we focus on ways to maximize usability through meticulous Information Design. Some key exercises we perform can include:

Card Sorting

Card sorting is a very simple, yet incredibly useful, exercise that helps us gain valuable insight into exactly how users logically group or categorize content. The commonalities that begin to reveal themselves between each test subject help us determine the best way to design a website or app’s navigation structure.

Site Maps

Visualizing the overall navigation structure in an easy-to-follow diagram is an extremely helpful way to get all project team members on the same page with what needs to be built and in what order.

User Journeys & Task Flow Diagrams

Taking the time to properly design the step-by-step process that a user will need to follow to accomplish a critical task can mean the difference between increasing or decreasing bounce rates, sales conversions, and signups.

Visual Hierarchy

Documenting all necessary screen elements for key screens and assigning a visual weight to each element based on its relative importance. By doing this, we can make sure important things appear important and less important things appear, well, less important.

When everything appears important, nothing is important.