We talk a lot about navigation as a technical concern — menus, breadcrumbs, filters. But when we’re trying to make sense of something new, structure is everything. Not just for movement, but for meaning.
Because here’s the truth: if users can’t see how things fit together, they can’t understand what the system is offering them — or how to use it well.
In this article, I want to explore a deeper question:
What does it feel like to be disoriented in a digital space — and what can information architecture do about it?
“Where Am I? What Can I Do Here?”
When users first enter a new tool or platform — especially one involving data — they’re doing more than scanning a menu. They’re trying to construct a mental model:
What does this space contain?
What kind of tasks is it good for?
How are things connected?
Can I explore safely?
These aren’t just questions of layout — they’re questions of trust. And when the answers aren’t clear, the entire experience feels shakier.
Structure as a Story
Good IA tells a story:
This is what this space is for.
Here’s how things are grouped.
Here’s what you can do here.
And here’s where you are in the journey.
When structure is thoughtful, users don’t just find things. They make sense of the whole.
This is particularly powerful in data tools, which often present dashboards, filters, and content panels as isolated units. But users don’t see discrete screens — they see an environment. One that either helps or hinders their thinking.
Design Cues That Anchor Users
Based on what I observed, here are three cues that help users orient themselves faster:
1. Predictable groupings
Group related actions and views together consistently. This helps users build intuitive “zones” in their mental map.
2. Descriptive, not abstract, labels
Avoid internal naming conventions or vague metaphors. Use labels that explain the function or purpose of the page.
3. Navigation that reflects real tasks
Don’t mirror your team structure — mirror your users’ goals. Structure the space around what they came to do, not what you internally own.
In conclusion: Make it make sense.
Orientation is more than wayfinding. It’s about helping people feel grounded in unfamiliar terrain.
When we design navigation and IA with care, we’re not just helping users get from A to B — we’re helping them feel capable. And that feeling, more than any feature or visual, is what builds long-term engagement.
Because when a tool makes sense, people come back. Not out of obligation, but because it feels like theirs.