Facebook Site Structure
Facebook has a unique user-centered design that acts as the user's own personal home page. Facebook follows the newspaper "visual metaphor." The URL always alerts the user as to what particular page is being accessed within the site. The header which the Web Style Guide notes is the "most visible area" within a website contains the tab for home, profile, inbox, friends, settings, and log out. These elements all include a "direct link" that connects back to the home page. According to the Web Style Guide users prefer that navigational menus have five to seven links. Facebookâs header contains seven links and a search bar.
Facebooks organizational structure is simple, yet somewhat redundant. According to the Web Style Guide clear navigational aids must be utilized within a website. The links "Facebook" and "Home" on the left side of the header bar perform the same function. They both return the user to the Facebook home page. I find this to be very repetitive. I think the "Facebook" link is designed to act as a universal page portal.
Chunking information helps Facebook arrange its information in an organized format. The Web Style Guide cites that "the concept of a chunk of information must be flexible and consistent with common sense, logical organization, and convenience." The content within user profiles is organized according to the most used elements, which is chunked by using tabs. "The Wall" is the most used tab within Facebook. It displays user and friend updates and comments left personally by the user or by friends. The "Info" tab uses chunking by separating basic information, personal information, contact information, networks, education and work, and groups. Photos are chunked into separate albums. The "Boxes" tab contains all of a users downloaded applications, listed according to applications downloaded first. A user's inbox is also chunked, which is consistent throughout this site. Within the inbox tabs separate, new messages, sent messages, notifications, and updates.
The footer is where the less unimportant information is located within this site. This is where users can find information about Facebook, jobs, latest developments, privacy and help. I believe the footer is the right place for this information to be found. Most Facebook users are no't concerned with how and when Facebook was created.The Web Style Guide states that a FAQ page is needed to provide support and help for trouble regarding access a site. Facebook's "Help" page information is also chunked by the type of question a user needs to have answered.
Fallon Guess
CMS 3710
12 November 2008