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Rules of effective website navigation

22 Jan, 2014

Navigation on a website is like a map for a pirate ship. Users would, especially when tides are high, want a website, capable to direct them to their destination and not get lost in the midst of the pages and content. That can only be possible if the users are aware and easily find their way through website content and pages. How can one make sure if their website is capable of that?

Navigation should be easy:

One wouldn't want their users to work hard at finding the navigation tab. Users are impatient when it comes to surfing through a website. If they don't locate the navigation tab fast enough, they will be likely to use the power of search engine and find an alternative site. The most hackneyed position for one's navigation bar can be on top or in-line-of-sight of the users on the landing page but web design companies manage to find innovative and non-conventional navigation techniques to attract more users.

Keep it consistent:

Users will easily be dismantled by a navigation bar changing its position, color, shape or size. Not only will it make a web design look flawed (unless cleverly done so and makes a web design look creative) but will also confuse the users. They will be forced to search for another alternative. Keeping a consistent navigation that goes with the web design flow will not only keep a user engaged but also give the web design a professional look.

Don't go for fancy names:

Using obvious markers or names for the users will work in favor of a web design. Using exotic catchphrases or cryptic words for a tab will only make the users open multiple tabs before they find what they want. This will more likely result in their browser getting stuck and then closing your site completely to find a simpler site that will make their lives easy.

Avoid mystery meat tabs:

Mystery meat design will make the users orient or experiment themselves on cryptic patterns made on tabs. Users will usually at this point close the website and move on to another website with a clearer navigation. This form of tab may attract the users and may be creative but not always effective in attracting enough traffic. Always remember that users like accessibility and feasibility.

Don't go for too many tabs:

Too many navigations leading into different sections will only confuse the users and leave them with too many choices. Keep it simple. By cutting down on the choices, not only will there be lesser number of clicks from one page to another but users will also be left with simple choices that will allow them to effectively navigate the website.

Keep the user aware of where they are:

If the business website has too many links and pages that need to be clicked, it is wise to keep some sort of color coordination to keep the users aware of where they are and not lose them in the maze of pages. Some form of redirecting navigation should also be present for the users so that they can go back to where they were.

Analyze your website. Does it follow the principles of effective navigation? If not then you may want to consult a web design company like 4M Designers who will not only give your navigation a creative touch but design it in a way that can maximize on a positive user experience for your website viewers. Hurry while you can!

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