Good practice in designing website navigation.

These days, when users have an enormous number of options to choose from, a website’s effectiveness is measured not only by how it looks, but above all by how it works. One of the key elements that can decide whether a website succeeds is the menu. Well-built navigation not only makes it easier to move around the site, it also has a positive effect on conversion rates.

When we browse websites, what we want above all is simplicity and efficiency. Smooth navigation not only helps us find information effortlessly, it also contributes significantly to our overall satisfaction with a product. Competition for the user’s attention is enormous. That is why effective navigation is a decisive factor when choosing a service — if we cannot get to the information we need quickly, we give up and look for a solution elsewhere.

Here are a few things worth keeping in mind when designing navigation for a site:

1. Clear, intuitive navigation

A simple menu structure:

Too many items in the menu overwhelms users in most cases. Go for a simple, clear menu structure. Make sure only the most important links sit in the menu, and group the other related content into a drop-down. That not only improves navigation, it also helps the user predict where they will find what they are looking for.
 

Intuitive labels:

Choose intuitive labels for navigation links. Avoid vague jargon and pick language that resonates with your audience. 

Consistent navigation across pages:

Consistency is key. Keep one navigation template across every page, so users do not feel disoriented and know where all the information is.

2. Visual clarity and feedback:

Highlighting the active page:

Changes to the default state, such as highlighting the active page, help users understand where they currently are on the site. 

Feedback on the user’s actions:

Visual feedback, such as colour changes or subtle animation, tells users about their interactions with navigation elements. That not only affects how the page looks, it also ensures users are aware of what they have done.

Marking sub-items

If a menu item expands and contains sub-items, make sure the user knows — for example with an arrow next to the label. With a large menu it is worth remembering not to go deeper than three levels.

3. Prioritising information in the menu

A clickable logo leading to the homepage

Make sure it is easy to get back to the homepage at any moment. 

Important links on the left 

We usually read from left to right, so it is natural for us to assume that we will look first at the information on the left of a list.

A highlighted CTA

It is worth setting the most important item in the menu apart as a button, whether it is a link to contact, a login option or another service that matters to the company. Setting it apart draws attention through a different style of display, so we look first at the information that matters most.

4. Responsive navigation

Mobile-friendly navigation:

Giving users a smooth experience on smaller screens is critical. Implement responsive design techniques, such as a mobile menu or a hamburger icon, to adapt the navigation to different devices.

Touch-friendly navigation:

Recognise the growing number of touch devices. Design navigation elements that are easy to tap and spaced appropriately for touch interaction (pay particular attention to making the active areas large enough).

Many elements of a website decide whether it succeeds, but navigation and intuitive movement around the site is without doubt a key one. Remember, though, that sites change, and with regular usability testing to gather feedback from users you can always find areas to improve. On top of that, using analytics tools that help track user behaviour and identify navigation pain points allows continuous improvement based on data. Ultimately, however, it is prioritising the user’s needs and embracing simplicity in navigation that improves the overall experience of using a site.

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