Terms and definitions (8)

• NAVIGATION - The process of users interacting with a site to effectively fulfill their information needs. Users navigate sites by searching and browsing for content objects.
  
  
• HIERARCHAL BROWSING - The process of users following the primary path through a site to access content objects. The primary path is generally called the site hierarchy, but can also be known as a classification, a directory, an ontology or a taxonomy. The site hierarchy reflects the site’s information ecology and an appropriate grouping method.
  
  
• BOTTOM-UP INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE - The process of developing an information architecture based on an understanding of the content and the tools used to leverage that content (e.g., search, indexes). This involves the creation of building blocks, the databases to contain them and the procedures for their maintenance.
  
  
• TOP-DOWN INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE - The process of developing an information architecture based on an understanding of the context of the content and the user needs. This involves determining the scope of the site and the creation of blueprints and mockups detailing the grouping and labeling of content areas.
  
  
• SITE MAP - A content object that graphically represents the levels of the site hierarchy.

Hagedorn, Kat. The Information Architecture Glossary, http://argus-acia.com/white_papers/iaglossary.html, 2000.