The cues in a link, label, or icon that tell people whether clicking it will get them closer to what they are looking for. Strong scent guides people confidently; weak or misleading scent makes them hesitate and give up.
Synonyms
None recorded.
Related terms
In plain words
- the clues in a link that hint whether it leads where you want to go
- how obvious a menu label is about what you'll find behind it
Usage example
Vague menu labels give off weak information scent, so people click around aimlessly and abandon the task.
Don't confuse with…
- wayfindingWayfinding is the whole system that helps people know where they are and how to get somewhere; information scent is just the small clues that tell them if one specific link is the right one.
Categories
- Information architecture