Last Updated on April 20, 2023 by WebsiteDesigner.sg
When it comes to website navigation design, there are certain dos and don’ts that web designers should keep in mind. Navigation is one of the most important aspects of a website as it helps users find what they are looking for quickly and easily. Here are some best practices for web designers to follow:
DO:
1. Keep it simple: Avoid cluttering your navigation with too many options. Stick to the essentials and make sure your navigation is easy to understand.
2. Use clear labels: Make sure your labels accurately describe the content they lead to. Avoid using vague or confusing labels that could confuse users.
3. Be consistent: Keep your navigation consistent across all pages on your website. This will help users understand how to navigate your site and make it easier for them to find what they are looking for.
4. Use drop-down menus sparingly: While drop-down menus can be useful for organizing a large amount of content, they can also be overwhelming and difficult to use. Use them sparingly and make sure they are well-designed and easy to navigate.
5. Test your navigation: Before launching your website, test your navigation with real users to make sure it is intuitive and easy to use.
DON’T:
1. Use too many sub-levels: Stick to two or three levels of navigation at most. Any more than that can be confusing and overwhelming for users.
2. Use unclear icons: While icons can be a useful addition to navigation, make sure they are easy to understand and don’t require any guesswork from users.
3. Hide your navigation: Don’t hide your navigation behind a hamburger menu or other type of icon. This can make it difficult for users to find what they are looking for.
4. Use overly complex animations: While animations can add interest and flair to your navigation, don’t go overboard. Overly complex animations can slow down your website and make it difficult for users to navigate.
5. Use inconsistent labels: Make sure your navigation labels are consistent across your website. Avoid using different labels for the same type of content or using vague labels that could confuse users.
In summary, website navigation design is an important aspect of web design that should not be overlooked. By following these best practices, web designers can create intuitive, user-friendly navigation that will help their users find what they are looking for quickly and easily.