Glossary
Navigation taxonomy
What is a navigation taxonomy?
A navigation taxonomy is the hierarchical classification system that organizes a website or application's content into categories, subcategories, and labels, forming the structure users navigate through.
How it works
A navigation taxonomy defines categories, labels and relationships that help people locate content. Research methods such as card sorting and tree testing can inform these choices. Use labels familiar to the intended users, such as product names, rather than internal department names. Test whether people understand the labels as intended. Categories do not always have to be mutually exclusive: cross-listing can support different reasonable expectations, provided the structure remains understandable.
Applied example
Consider a hypothetical retailer that places wireless chargers under Phone Accessories → Charging → Wireless. Some shoppers may instead expect Electronics → Chargers. In a tree test, participants receive a task such as finding a wireless charger and navigate a text-only category tree. The researcher records their first category choice and whether they reach the intended destination. These observations can reveal a misleading label or an unexpected route. Selective cross-listing could make the same product accessible through both categories; a clearer label such as Wireless Chargers can then be tested again.
Why it matters
A taxonomy organizes navigation choices. Evaluate labels and relationships with representative users, including items that plausibly fit more than one category.
Evidence note: Page Laubheimer: Cross-listing should be used selectively and preserve understandable context.