Navigation by Subject

Consultation objectives

In efforts to improve our users' experience, Statistics Canada is considering making enhancements to the design and functionality of the website's navigation by subject.

This consultation ensured that the website’s navigation by subject is compliant with a set of usability principles and that navigation is accessible to all users.

Consultation methodology

Statistics Canada conducted in-person usability consultations in Ottawa, Ontario. Participants were asked to complete a series of tasks and to provide feedback on the products.

How to get involved

This consultation is now closed.

Individuals who wished to obtain more information or to take part in a consultation were requested to contact Statistics Canada by sending an email to statcan.consultations@statcan.gc.ca.

Statistics Canada is committed to respecting the privacy of consultation participants. All personal information created, held or collected by the Agency is protected by the Privacy Act. For more information on Statistics Canada's privacy policies, please consult the Privacy notice.

Results

Participants used two proposed designs of the website's navigation by subject and were asked to provide feedback on their look and functionality.

Design 1 displayed a static list of all subjects, topics and sub topics. The list allowed users to navigate from one subject or topic to another at any time during the search.

• Strengths
  • The list provides an overview of the type of information available.
  • Minimal clicking is required to make a selection.
  • It is easy to navigate from one topic to another.
• Areas for improvement
  • More scrolling is necessary to view all topics and subtopics.
  • The page is text-heavy.

Design 2 displayed three searchable drop-down lists allowing users to select up to two subjects, one topic and one sub topic.

• Strengths
  • The page appears clean and organized.
  • The ability to select up to two subjects is useful.
  • It would be easier to use on a mobile device.
• Areas for improvement
  • Many clicks are necessary to find a topics or subtopic.
  • The searchable menus remain expanded after making a selection.
  • The search fields within the menus are not noticeable.

Overall, 58% of participants preferred Design 1 and 42% preferred Design 2.