1. 01

    List the essential tasks

    Choose the decisions visitors need to make, using the practice’s general inquiry themes. Avoid creating a menu based only on internal departments or a long keyword list. The structure should support the information people actually seek.

  2. 02

    Review labels in context

    Check whether each label describes its destination plainly. Distinguish a service explanation from an appointment action. If different labels lead to the same generic page, decide whether that page is doing too many jobs.

  3. 03

    Test a narrow journey

    Ask an authorized reviewer to find a specific answer without coaching. Observe where the structure creates uncertainty. A short task review can reveal a confusing relationship that a complete sitemap diagram does not make obvious.

  4. 04

    Keep the structure maintainable

    Give new content a defined place and remove unnecessary duplicates. Recheck mobile navigation and keyboard operation after changes. A usable hierarchy needs ongoing decisions rather than an ever-growing collection of menu items.

A planning exercise, not a client result

Put the idea to work

Planning exercise: a visitor must choose between three vague labels to find new-patient information. Replace the ambiguity with a clear destination and a descriptive link. The improvement reduces uncertainty without requiring more pages.

What to watch for

  • Internal jargon in public navigation
  • Different labels leading to an unrelated generic destination
  • Menus that grow without a hierarchy

Make the next review concrete.

Use the worksheet to record your observations, the evidence behind them, and the decision you want to make. Keep unresolved assumptions visible until they are checked.

Open this site’s worksheet →