Web Design Tips For Better Site Navigation

There are several factors to consider when designing a website, but the ease of navigation is arguably the most important aspect. If users find it hard to locate the information they are looking for, they are likely to turn elsewhere. This will drastically affect the traffic and compromise the success of the website. Here are some web design tips for better site navigation:

1) Have a prominent button bar

This part takes up very little space, yet carries a lot of weight as far as navigation is concerned. It should stand out across the top of the page and remain separate from the rest of the content. The section names should be straight forward stating clearly what lies behind them. Avoid too many navigation buttons which will leave the user confused, wandering from one page to another before finding the content of interest. Instead, use drop-down menus to display categories.

2) Indicate user location

Navigation should allow users to be able to know what page they are on. The most common method involves highlighting the title of the page, so that it stands out from the rest. If a section has more than one page, have a clickable button that leads back to the main page of that section.

3) Indicate already visited locations

  Another key feature of web navigation design is an indicator of the pages that have already been visited. For this reason, it is advisable to have most of the navigation in hypertext, as opposed to graphical format. Hypertext provides for change in color once the link is clicked. The most common color codes are blue for unclicked and purple for clicked links. This track record keeps the reader more organized and makes it easier to look for information.

4) Maintain consistency

The navigation links should be located in a similar place in every page of the website. They should also be of the same color, type and style. The users will take a shorter time to get used to the site enjoy using it. If navigation keeps shifting left, right and center, users will get worked up and head elsewhere.

5) Include search option

The easiest way to look for specific information on a website is to search directly. The higher the amount of content on your site, the more important the search feature becomes. The user will find it more efficient and will spend less time to acquire the desired information.

6) Beware of browser manipulation

  When users click on a link, they expect to proceed within the current browser window. Avoid situations where a new window is opened or the current one is resized. If there's a good reason to open a new window, notify the user in advance. The same applies for links that lead to non-HTML pages such as Microsoft Word, PDF and so on.

7) Provide your contacts

  Any user friendly website should make it as easy as possible to contact the organization. Include avenues like telephone, email, call-back or live chat.

Hopefully you have benefited from these web design tips for better site navigation. Your readers will enjoy the browsing experience and will definitely be back!

Miodrag Kostic Kole is freelance web designer from Belgrade, Serbia. He has been passionate about digital art for decade now. While designing, he is also learning about various helpful techniques and tools. Besides webdesign, he is also great skater and in love with nature photography. Feel free to contact him on Twitter, Facebook , Google+ and Tumblr