A PLAN
hat helps visitors move from one page to another.
Here's a definition of navigation from Web Developers Notes.
And here is a link to What does a great college newspaper site look like? from 10,000 Words.
One of the most important rules of web site design is to provide easy navigation to your visitors. When planning the design and content you should take utmost care in structuring the navigational aspect of your site.
The first step is to divide the content into chapters or sections. These sections can further contain sub-sections.
Navigation should be such that visitors are able to find the information they are looking for in a maximum of three clicks. The lesser the number of clicks the better. Remember, frustrated visitors are quick to click on the browser "Back" button. So structuring your site contents is essential for survival.
Last, navigation icons/links used on your web pages should remain consistent, in terms of color or design (shape) or both. This brings congruency to the site design creating a "familiar" atmosphere for visitors.
A successful web site is updated continually with new information. Site planning should allow this to show easily with "Updates," "Latest News" or some other pitch line.
Use your navigation space efficiently. Use short, clear and precise words in your links so that your visitors know what the corresponding page will contain.
Keep in mind the "the less clicks the better" concept when designing web site navigation. You must aid your visitors in finding the information they seek as quickly as possible. The website must respond instantly to their instincts.
Finally, on a light note, check out Web Pages That Suck by Vincent Flanders, a funny guy.
Testing — The best way to test your newly-designed website navigation tool is by having inexperienced users navigate through the web site. If they are able to successfully browse through the site, then the design can be termed as a navigational success.
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