Designing Web Navigation

SUMMARY

People navigate the Web based on a range of cues. Labels provide a great deal of direct information, of course, but there are more subtle aspects that people key in on, such as the page layout and the function of navigation menus. The visual presentation of navigation proves to be critical as well. It's not just about decorating the navigation or coloring it in. Instead, a good visual design can guide visitors through a site.

Existing principles from the field of information design can help you understand how to better present navigation. Be conscious of your use of negative space and don't let chartjunk creep into your design. Layering information allows you to provide clear focus on key information.

The design of text is vital for navigation. Choices of typeface, case, size, text weight, and alignment are all within your control. Use the tools of typography to create a visual hierarchy in the navigation. On well-designed sites, people don't have to hunt for the next logical option: the navigation leads them through it.

But the Web is not static like print media; using the Web requires action. You must consider how people will find and click the links you provide in the navigation. This includes considerations of underlining links, target size, and including rollover effects to enhance that interaction.

Color also plays a role in navigation. In particular, color-coding is a common tactic for distinguishing function or content areas. Color can provide orientation, as well as ...