Web site navigation
19 Feb, 2007
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One of the most critical pieces of functionality on a web site is it navigation scheme. Unfortunately most sites out there fail in this critical area, here’s a few things to consider when designing yours (note that this is not an exhaustive list, nor does it cover all possible options).
Technology: make sure that folks with older browsers, text-only browsers (E.g. Lynx) and Braille readers are able to “see” and navigate your site. Avoid using technology such as Flash, not only does the user have to have Flash installed (although most computers do), but search engines and text-only browsers will fail to pickup on your links. I know this doesn’t apply to everyone… if you are in a niche, high-technology market, then you may be able to expect your visitors to have Flash (this goes for JavaScript as well).
Placement: unfortunately there’s limited choice here… you need the navigation above the fold and based up on the number and length of copy of your primary navigation items you will be choosing either a horizontal or vertical orientation. This might sounds obvious, but I’ve seen clients insist on on squeezing massive amounts of copy in every link and placing all links at the top level. Think your Sitemap through before deciding how to layout and allow visitors to navigate your site, and make the navigation consistent across the site.
Design: do you really need to use buttons with roll-overs for your navigation? Try keeping it simple, you can still have a professional design without creating a heavy feeling navigation which uses JavaScript(s), roll-overs, large graphics, etc.
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