For more information contact Professor Dan Remenyi at dan.remenyi@mcil.co.uk

Effective websites generate an environment that is logical and does not confuse the user. A site with excellent content and facilities will be wasted if the user cannot find and access the information or facilities that they want.

It is important to map a site out before inputting a single line of HTML. Having a logical overview of the path you want the user to take will make it easier to develop a site that will direct them to where they want to go. When designing the navigation system it is important to think like someone seeing the site for the first time.

Consistency

An important aspect of navigation systems is that when a web site introduces a user to a navigation system up front, the user expects it to apply throughout the whole site, without exception. Therefore a consistent navigation system such as a navigation menu bar should be used throughout the site. There should be consistent text or button links on each page.

Ease of Use

The key to an effective navigation system is that it is intuitive and easy to use. When designing the navigation system it is important to think like someone seeing the site for the first time. The system’s goal should be to provide direct access to the various content or facilities in the site. Users need to make an informed decision on whether or not to take a certain path.

Using Graphics in Navigation Systems

Text navigation should be used in addition to any graphical navigation, as images may not convey immediate meaning to all users. ALT tags should also be applied to all graphics to accommodate the visually impaired. Using ALT tags has the added benefit of boosting ranking with some search engines.

Website Maps

The web site map is a key navigational tool that web site developers should add to aid users successfully navigate through their site. The value of maps that are used properly is that they are easy to understand and present a completely alternative method of navigating the site to the user. More information on types of maps can be found at http://mappa.mundi.net/maps/maps_006.

Internal Search Engines

An internal search facility provides users with a means of finding what they want on the website quickly and efficiently. This is especially important for large sites with a lot of content.

Internal Links

Allow users to move through the site not only through text or graphical navigation system but also through the content. This allows the user to navigate through the site following the natural progression of the content.

Testing the Navigation System

The navigation system should be tested on someone seeing the site for the first time. Testing should be completely centred on the user, as the goal should be to design a system that is consistent, intuitive and easy to use for the user.

Avoiding Frames

Frames can add complications to websites and therefore should be used cautiously. Many web sites that offer users the choice between framed pages and frame free pages have found that users prefer frame free pages. The fundamental view of data on the Web is the page, which is viewed as an atomic unit. Frames break this view by splitting the page up and can add confusion to users attempting to navigate the site efficiently.

A further complication is that URL’s cease to work, as the URL in the address box is no longer a complete specification of the information shown in the window. This adds complications if the user wants to recommend the site’s URL through a link or through e-mail.

Some older browsers do not support frames at all while frames cause usability problems with others. For example the BACK button in the browser NETSCAPE 2 didn’t work with framed sites. Many browsers do not print framed pages. Search engines can have difficulties indexing framed pages.

For more information see http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9612.html

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