News
Simplify Your Navigation Paths - Simplify Your Users' Lives
January 08, 2009
Written by Kelly L. Brooks
RKD Web Studios, Guelph, Ontario.
What represents a good website to your user? One that allows them to get to the information that they are looking for - right away. If they are roadblocked by your links, they will exit your site and head to the next search result on their Google page.
1. Do not structure your navigation as you would structure your organization.
Many websites try to replicate their organizational layout. They slot valuable information under departmental or creative marketing headings. A user is not familiar with your company. Make sure that they can find "Discount Auto Parts" under "Products". Do not name your links based on colourful internal marketing terms. If your "Products" link is cleverly disguised as "Innovative Automotive Ideas", then your user may roll right by it, not making the connection that it is really just "Products".
2. Make sure that your navigation takes your user to the place that they want to go.
Here is a non-web example to get you thinking "outside of the webbox".
If a customer walked into your store, and asked you where the lightbulbs were, how would you respond?
User un-friendly answer: "Go down the cereal aisle, then cross over to the deli counter, get stalled in the bakery aisle, sit in the pharmacy, and then find the sign that says, "brighten your day". Our lightbulbs are on the top shelf, beside the radishes."
A client-saavy answer: "Here's a coupon for 10% off all lighting products. Lightbulbs are in Aisle 10 - Lighting Products. Our lighting products are separated into residential and business for your convenience. If you have a certain product in mind, let me know and I will walk you there. We are also promoting eco-friendly lightbulbs today.
Bottom line, allow your user to find what they are looking for, quickly and seamlessly.
3. Your navigation doesn't have to float, move, slide or bounce in order to sell your goods.
Really - it doesn't. The latest navigational trends may tempt you. But remember, less is best. If your user has to chase the navigation bar, or if their browser doesn't support that "cool" effect that your designer implemented for you, then you might as well shove them off the page.
Use a simple layout that is suppported by the majority of browsers and technical resources that your audience utilizes for web surfing. The odd dropdown is justified if you have a complicated, multi-leveled site.
If you have further questions about this article, or would like to ask us about how we can help with making your web navigation a little bit better, contact us and we will help you out.
Happy Webbing.
Kelly
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