Navigation Strategies: Cues & Clues
By using generic, simple strategies for navigating digital devices and completing various tasks, learners are provided with a broader method of instruction that can be applied to multiple devices as an alternative to memorizing task-based steps.
We refer to these simple strategies of navigation as “Cues and Clues.” Below are some examples of Cues and Clues, however, be sure to be creative and have some fun by adding in others that you use.
ICON Resource: Downloadable Cues & Clues on a CLN template handout connected to button below or a link here
ICON Read it Like a Book.
The phrase “Read it Like a Book” is key here. Our eye is naturally drawn to the centre, radiating outward from that central point. Software is designed to be used sequentially and read from left to right. Encouraging learners to train the eye to move away from the centre to the top left of the window and identify a visual anchor point is part of the process. Introducing the “Read it Like a Book” concept, provides method, structure and control.
ICON - *See it in action: Video
ICON How many panes or sections?
Panes and window sections are the primary navigational component of software on any device and online. Training the eye to pull back from all the detail and focus on the broader structures is a strategy that reduces overwhelm and allows the user to identify the primary visual cues for navigation.
ICON - *See it in action: Video
ICON Edges are important, do the circuit.
The tendency to focus on a central point does something to how we see. It switches off our peripheral vision. Often, key elements, menus and other navigational elements are on the edges of the screen. Looking at the edges and the “big picture” of the screen helps turn on peripheral vision by relaxing and controlling the visual focus.
ICON - *See it in action: Video
ICON Process of elimination, what is it NOT?
When presented with making a choice or decision about a particular task, it is often easier to eliminate the obvious rather than trying to determine what the correct choice would be. This can help narrow down the choices, often making a decision easier.
ICON - *See it in action: Video
ICON 3 R's - Read, Read, Read!
When we’re focused on getting a task done, it can be hard to slow down… take a breath… and really read what’s on the screen. Taking the time to read pop-up messages and descriptions that appear can make a big difference. When we stop and read, we often become more confident and, in the end, complete tasks more quickly.
ICON - *See it in action: Video
ICON 3 P's - Patience, Persistence, Perseverance!
These three qualities can be hard to hold onto when technology isn’t working the way we want, when we want! Reminding ourselves that our computer might be showing a swirling symbol because it's “going to space and back” to complete a task can help us be a bit more patient. There are often many ways to solve a problem, instead of giving up keep trying! When we keep trying different navigational strategies, we can often figure things out.
ICON - *See it in action: Video
ICON Arrows Mean More - Explore!
Within the window itself, there are cues and clues indicating navigational options and hidden layers. Another useful phrase is, “Arrows mean more, explore”. Identifying arrows as a navigational aid is key to reading a window.
ICON - *See it in action: Video
ICON Dot, dot, dot - whatcha got?
When there’s too much information to fit on the screen, you’ll often see a
vertical or horizontal row of dots (like ⋮ or ...). Clicking on
them usually reveals more options or information.
ICON - *See it in action: Video
ICON Hover to uncover.
Sometimes, not everything we need to know is visible on the screen. When you move your mouse over a word or icon, extra information may be uncovered, like a description, definition, or an option for another action.
ICON - *See it in action: Video
ICON Rollin', rollin', rollin'...get the info scrollin'!
Digital screens come in all sizes, from tiny phone screens to large TVs. But no matter the size, sometimes not all the information will fit on the screen. Look for a scroll bar on the side or bottom of the screen, this means there’s more information available when you scroll.
ICON - *See it in action: Video - Create one or use this one: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/practice-area/scrolling-and-zooming