Week 4 Navigation Paper
Best Practices for Site Navigation
IT/236
Best Practices for Site Navigation
Navigation presents an integral component of the design of any website; therefore, the website design is bound to affect the operation and visitors on the website. It is integral to note that effective site navigation is dependent on different design disciplines applied in the formation of a website. eBay presents a model site that has incorporated usability aspects thus easing the access of information by the clients. This essay will focus on the best practices for site navigation thus improving the implementation and usability of website design.
Figure 1: The eBay site homepage demonstrating simplicity and ease of access to the site information.
Information architecture presents an integral component of website design thus there should be the creation of a sitemap in all the site content pages with an explicitly formulated hierarchy. Also, user experience research is bound to facilitate the formation of a plan and strategy for website design. This process incorporates researching on the user demands, site mapping, presenting the website goals and the development of persona. The top-level navigation links should be controlled with the priority given to the fundamental pages. If possible, the dropdowns should be retained on a single level. Interior pages and submenus can help limit the number of pages on the site.
Websites are recommended to adopt the norm and apply mobile menus where possible (Fletcher.tufts.edu, 2015). The ordinary mobile indicators are noted to be indicated by the menu indicator. For responsive websites, the mobile menu should be displayed only where necessary. However, it is integral to consider the inclusion of mobile menus for small devices including mobile phones and tablets. The mobile logo should include a main menu, a logo and comprehensive site navigation tools such as a site search.
In reference to the language used, websites should
IT/236
Best Practices for Site Navigation
Navigation presents an integral component of the design of any website; therefore, the website design is bound to affect the operation and visitors on the website. It is integral to note that effective site navigation is dependent on different design disciplines applied in the formation of a website. eBay presents a model site that has incorporated usability aspects thus easing the access of information by the clients. This essay will focus on the best practices for site navigation thus improving the implementation and usability of website design.
Figure 1: The eBay site homepage demonstrating simplicity and ease of access to the site information.
Information architecture presents an integral component of website design thus there should be the creation of a sitemap in all the site content pages with an explicitly formulated hierarchy. Also, user experience research is bound to facilitate the formation of a plan and strategy for website design. This process incorporates researching on the user demands, site mapping, presenting the website goals and the development of persona. The top-level navigation links should be controlled with the priority given to the fundamental pages. If possible, the dropdowns should be retained on a single level. Interior pages and submenus can help limit the number of pages on the site.
Websites are recommended to adopt the norm and apply mobile menus where possible (Fletcher.tufts.edu, 2015). The ordinary mobile indicators are noted to be indicated by the menu indicator. For responsive websites, the mobile menu should be displayed only where necessary. However, it is integral to consider the inclusion of mobile menus for small devices including mobile phones and tablets. The mobile logo should include a main menu, a logo and comprehensive site navigation tools such as a site search.
In reference to the language used, websites should