Nora Brown Design

Using a controlled vocabulary

Lately I’ve been hooked on the information architecture articles on BoxesAndArrows.com. Most describe concepts and techniques that are for larger, more complex sites than I ever build. However, some of the principles can be useful for any size or type of site.

For example, the idea of a controlled vocabulary. In the simplest sense, this really just means taking stock of the terms you use on your site:

• If you use terms that might be unfamiliar to your users, provide definitions.
• Be internally consistent. For example, don’t call a service “house cleaning” on one page and “abode sweeping” on another.
• Be externally consistent. If everyone knows a product by the name “widgetbox”, don’t call it “thingybox”.

Keeping these rules in mind while writing your text and developing your site navigation will improve the findability of your content.