The principle of multiple classification
The principle of multiple classification acknowledges that people navigate interfaces differently. It's the responsibility of the information architect to provide multiple classification systems tailored to diverse needs, ensuring everyone can find what they’re looking for efficiently. For example, consider an online clothing store. Some users might prefer browsing by category, such as "Men," "Women," and "Kids," while others might search for specific items like "jeans" or "jackets." To accommodate these preferences, the store should offer a menu bar with broad categories and a search bar for direct queries. Additionally, filters like size, color, and brand can help users narrow down their options further.