How to design an intuitive navigation bar
How to design an intuitive navigation bar
Designing an Intuitive Navigation Bar
Create site expectations and make a good impression on your visitors with an effective website design. One key element that contributes to it is the navigation bar. Typically, visitors who are new to a site will scan the navigation bar on arriving at it. When your navigation bar is complete, it contains all the important visual cues, your visitors are more likely to engage with the site through. So, with an intuitive navigation bar you will be able to create a good user experience. Here are a few guidelines that will help you make a good navigation bar:
Use link labels that are easily recognizable
When you use link labels that are easily recognizable, the expectation for the page will be established quite accurately and clearly. The terms used in the primary navigation bar should be simple and definite. The labels will inform the visitor that the site's content can be easily explored. It is best to not rely on hidden elements like sub menus and alt tags. But, if you are using elements from graphical navigation bar on your website, you will require alt tags that can enable access for the visually challenged. The alt tags should contain the link labels of the navigation bar. Nevertheless, expanding on the content and employing additional keywords can make it more effective.
Maintain the navigation bar at the same location on different pages
One of the simplest guidelines in designing a navigation bar is to maintain the navigation bar at the same location on different pages. The bar on each page should ideally carry a link to the home page.
Avoid using active links capable of only refreshing the current page
The links for the current page on which the visitor is, should ideally be inactive. They should offer a signal of their inactivity. This will help indicate the page which the visitor is presently on. For instance, links to the home page should ideally be inactive when the visitor is on that page.
Graphical look and feel to the navigation bar
When your navigation bar meets the guidelines mentioned above, it is usable. At this point, you can experiment with graphics. The best way to determine what will suit your site is to test with users who represent the target audience.
Selecting from horizontal and vertical navigation bars
You can select from two types of navigation bars: horizontal and vertical. The choice of these sub-menus is influenced by the different second-level choices. You can opt for either horizontal or vertical submenus with close to six second level choices. If there are more than these many second level choices, it is best to employ a vertical menu. Ideally, horizontal and vertical sub-menus from one primary navigation bar should not be mixed. This is largely for aesthetic reasons and also, to avoid confusing users (if there is a perceived inconsistency).
Testing the navigation bar
A new navigationn bar should ideally be tested with users. Doing this before completing a large amount of coding, will allow you to make necessary changes, if required. A simple user test for navigation bars involves having the new visitor look through the home page for approximately ten seconds. Next, read out the terms in the primary navigation bar and ask him what he would expect to find on the second level pages. Take him to the home page, have him find a specific product or service. Guide him through to if required and make a note of his behavior. If he was able to find it relatively easily, your navigation bar is intuitive.
Irrespective of whether you are creating small business web design or professional website design, it is best to use some basic guidelines that can help you make the website more effective.
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