This is part three of the “Don’t Make Me Think” via “Elements of Effective Webpage Design” Trilogy.
Krug described the Trunk Test.
The name “Trunk Test” came from the comparison of being blindfolded and locked into the trunk of a car, dropped off, and stuck to find you way home. The same idea is applied to a web site. The idea is to find a web site and go to a page deep into the navigation of the site, not the home page. Once you found a page quickly try and answer these questions.
What site is this? (Site ID)
What page am I on? (Page Name)
What are the major sections of this site? (Sections)
What are my options at this level? (Local Navigation)
Where am I in the scheme of things? (“You are here” indicators)
How can I search?
The Test Trunk test demonstrates:
Site ID
Every page of a site should have a graphic or text identifier that tells what site the page belongs. Usually a small graphic that also acts as a link to the homepage. The graphics should contain some element of site identity.
Page Name
Every page of a site should have a header that describes the content of the page.
Sections and Subsections
To assist users with navigation, place links to other sections and subsections of the site. This helps users if they get lost.
Local Navigation
There are usually subsections Within sections of a site or a list of other pages. There should be navigation to those pages on main section pages to allow users to find those pages.
“You Are Here” Indicators
There are many types of you are here indicators. Some designers use reverse text when menu bars are present, some use tabs. Others use a combination of features and also use Section and Subsection navigation w/ arrows. The arrows point to the section being viewed.
Search
Every page should have a search feature so users can find what they are looking for.
