Some Tips On Navigation

Brief pointers on creating navigation systems, and the information structures that underlie them focusing on web navigation.

Creating navigation systems, and the information structures that underlie them, is obviously a central aspect of the development of any product or web interface. Although some users may prefer not to use navigation systems, or even ignore them entirely, for many they will be an invaluable means of discovering content or functionality. Getting these structures right is an important element in designing a successful interface.

Unfortunately, getting them right isn't particularly easy. In some instances it can be, but usually there is no simple way to short-circuit the process of categorisation and presentation that constitutes a navigational system. However, in this short article we do attempt to provide some brief pointers. Although we focus on web navigation, many of these suggestions are equally relevant in software interface design and indeed other technologies.

Focus On Categorisation

Navigation helps users find content or functionality relating to a certain theme or need. With this in mind it is important to consider carefully what categories are required and how they should be used to group content. During this process it is imperative to examine the problem from the user's perspective and design logical categories that make sense to them. Categories that reflect the internal structure of the business, for example, are often the easiest route politically, but rarely optimal in terms of user experience.

Bend The Rules

It might feel 'right' to have a neat structure of mutually exclusive categories, but most users really don't care about these concerns. If the goal is finding information, then give the user every chance of achieving that goal by placing content or functionality within more than one category if necessary. Similarly, don't agonise over having a certain number of categories or a particular type of structure. There are no hard and fast rules, and the right number is whatever suits the users of the site.

Ensure 'Navigation Bars' Make Sense

By grouping together a number of links, a navigation bar or menu is implicitly telling the user that these links are comparable in some way. 'Our Products' and 'Our Services', for example, may contain different content, but in both cases it is clearly content of a certain type. Those areas of the site that offer totally different functionality - such as purchasing a product or contacting the company - should not be linked from the same bar as this may cause user confusion.

Make Links Comprehensible

Any link within a navigation bar must be immediately comprehensible to the user. In practise this means avoiding jargon, acronyms, product names, or any form of 'quirky' labelling. Use clear language, and where possible observe established conventions. Again, don't impose a restrictive 'one-word' or 'two-word' naming policy - use however many words are required to accurately convey meaning.

Provide A 'Breadcrumb Trail'

In order to help the user understand how navigation is working, and which section he or she is currently in, it makes sense to provide a breadcrumb trail above each page detailing the sections and subsections in which the page is located. This also helps the user return to a given point on their journey as easily as possible.

Remember Navigation Isn't The Whole Story

Information organisation is the fundamental building block of any site. But when viewed from the outside, it need not be apparent to the user. Many - particularly 'browsers' - prefer not to use navigation, or find thinking in terms of categories to be restrictive. Don't forget to provide alternative ways for these users to 'nose' through a site without having to decide exactly what sort of information or functionality they require. Provide 'contextual' links within content and enough suggestions for 'more to explore' to keep visitors busy.