Alphabetical sorting
Alphabetical sorting is a widely recognized method in information architecture for organizing content. By arranging items from A to Z, it creates a clear and predictable structure that aids users in quickly finding the information they need. Think of a glossary in a textbook, where terms are listed alphabetically, or an online directory that categorizes businesses by name. It's a user-friendly way to present information, relying on a principle that most people understand intuitively.
Apply alphabetical sorting when the users' main task is to locate a specific item within a large set, and the names or titles of the items are already well-known and easy to locate by the first letter. However, it is not appropriate when the items do not have a natural order, or when users are looking for items based on categories, relevance, or other criteria beyond the first letter.