Designing Web Navigation

SUMMARY

Laying out pages is a critical point in the design process when many pieces come together. Abstract aspects of the site design, such as business goals or site structure, become more tangible once navigation menus and content appear on pages. This is often when potentially conflicting opinions from the development team come out. To steer discussions toward a common goal, a systematic approach to laying out the navigation options can help.

Site navigation provides a narrative for people to follow to get to the content they are looking for. Though labels and text clearly play a role in guiding people through your site, the layout of navigation communicates a great deal about its purpose and function.

In laying out web navigation, begin with end pages that people are searching for, not with the home page. Using personas and scenarios, determine the navigation your target groups will need to get to and from key pages. Don't try to reproduce the entire site structure. Instead, include only the key navigational elements. Provide enough information scent so that your visitors can navigate effectively without overwhelming them. Also consider how people will get to your important content pages, and plan ahead on other pages.

The visual logic of the page must consider all design elements, of course, including text and graphic elements. But the visual relationships you create are critical for navigation. People can make out the function and role of page elements instantly. Further, the ...