How to Improve Your Website's Navigation

Easy navigability of your website is one of the primary factors which influence the success of your website from a commercial as well as promotional perspective. It is the navigation of any portal which facilitates the user's need for information or access to a product or service. As a web design expert, it is your responsibility to ensure maximum possible efficiency by making the gap between a user's need and a webpage the smallest. Functions of Website Navigation Navigation for information can be typically conducted by scrolling, zooming or linking. It is the job of the designers to develop a strong navigation system through the website to encourage a smooth flow from one page to another. 1. A typical navigation enables users to take appropriate choices from a relevant selection of pages one can visit. To facilitate this, it is important that you provide elaborate labels for the pages to where each tab directs the user. 2. Study the needs of your target user base before you design the website navigation design. Every page should help the user understand where they are currently are and provide options that allow them to go back. 3. Ideal website navigation will also use the support of a 'search' function. Elements of an Effective Navigational System 1. Site ID- Also known as a 'current locator' this tool allows users to know where on the website they are currently. For example, many websites change the appearance of a tab when it is selected to reflect the selection of that particular tab. 2. Method of Navigation - From the perspective of the user, this is a method that is used to get from one place to another. As a designer you can give access to primary content and place all the secondary content in the form of a hierarchy, hereby simplifying the navigation for your users. 3. Trace Route Features - Adding a 'Trace Route' feature into your navigation system makes it easy for users to find out where they have been on your website. Also known as 'Home Link', it allows users to easily get back to the page they started off from 4. Search Function - The search function is crucial to a good navigation system. This tool is a quick and easy way to find specific information that a user is looking for on a website. 5. Type of Navigation -In addition to this, evolution of technology has made it possible for designers to choose from different types of navigation systems. Global navigation systems allow users to pursue a search on the entire site. A local navigation system allows you to explore immediate areas or subsets of a site. Most e-commerce websites employ these systems where users can search for a specific category of products within a subset of product categories. While you are designing your portal, make sure your navigation system is consistent and makes sure your users don't feel lost. The easier it is for users to find what they are looking for, the more confidence they will develop towards your portal.

Share this post