Best Practices for Website Navigation Design

Effective website navigation is a crucial element of any website. Understanding web navigation can help you differentiate your website from a link dump. A study backs this up by deducing that 61% of users consider easy navigation the most important characteristic of a website, and websites with good navigation experience have 50% lower bounce rates. That’s a considerable amount in the returning user ratio.

The way your website navigation works is a critical element in its uniqueness. The extent to which creativity can go is what we focus on here. 

Take a look at Bamboozle’s sign-in page, which focuses on making it accessible to kids. See how the website makes itself as simple as possible and puts almost all the navigation elements in one screen. Now, look at the iconic Creepypasta, which wants to make itself look as cryptic as possible while motivating the user to navigate the creative options. Lastly, see how Microsoft makes its huge archive of drivers available to the common user.

In this article, we’ll focus on applicable practices for website navigation and highlight the best ones. 

What is Website Navigation? 

In a nutshell, website navigation design is the system or structure that enables users to explore and access different parts of a website and content. 

To create a straightforward navigation, designers focus on six important elements: 

• Menus 
• Breadcrumbs 
• Footer navigation 
• Search bar 
• Internal links 
• Call-to-action (CTA) buttons 

Why is Web Navigation Important? 

Proper navigation is everything in web design. The significance of website navigation design reveals itself when users are satisfied with their interaction with the website and happily explore the entire website to find what they seek. Web navigation improves user experience by ensuring engagement. Moreover, straightforward navigation helps with SEO optimization by retaining users and reducing the bounce rate. Additionally, good navigation: 

• Helps search engines index websites for better rankings. 
• Enhances usability across devices. 
• Reflects brand professionalism. 

Types of Website Navigation Design

Surely, you have seen loads of websites with different designs and navigation. For example, Amazon’s navigation design differs from YouTube’s navigation structure. There are various types of navigation that designers choose according to the website coding and understanding user’s needs: 

• Global navigation: the basic navigation system that is consistent on all pages, usually found in the header and footer of the website. 
• Local navigation: specific to a particular section or page that helps users explore content within that area. For example, navigation for product categories might have links to different products. 
• Faceted navigation: primarily used in e-commerce websites, allowing users to filter and sort content based on product or content attributes. 
• Contextual navigation: links within the content that offer relevant options, such as “related articles” and “similar products”. 

Early Website Navigation Design and Its Evolution 

Website navigation has come a long way since the early days of the Internet. In the 1990s, websites were simple, often consisting of plain text with a few hyperlinks scattered across the page. Navigation was linear, and users had to scroll through long pages or click through multiple links to find information. As the web grew, so did the need for more sophisticated website navigation design. The introduction of the graphical user interface (GUI) brought about the use of buttons, drop-down menus, and sidebars, making it easier for users to explore websites. This period marked the beginning of organized and hierarchical navigation structures, laying the foundation for the more complex systems we see today.

The evolution of website navigation continued into the 2000s with the rise of dynamic content and interactive design. Websites became more user-centric, focusing on improving the overall experience. Responsive design emerged as a critical development, allowing websites to adapt their navigation based on the device used, whether a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. As a result, website navigation design became more intuitive and accessible, incorporating features like mega menus, breadcrumb trails, and sticky navigation bars. 

Today, with the many tools available, the emphasis is on creating seamless, user-friendly navigation and creatively combining them with your website’s purpose and design philosophy. 

Understanding Website Navigation and Structure Elements 

As mentioned before, website navigation design consists of some main elements, each playing a significant role in delivering user-friendly navigation. Here, we discuss them one by one:

Layout

This element plays a foundational role in website navigation design by organizing content in a way that guides users effortlessly through the site. A well-structured navigation structure arranges elements logically, helping users intuitively understand where to find information. By strategically positioning key components, like menus and links, the layout ensures that user-friendly navigation systems are both effective and efficient. An optimized layout enhances mobile navigation as well, ensuring that users on smaller screens can easily navigate through the site without feeling overwhelmed.

Design 

Design is crucial in crafting a visually engaging and cohesive navigation structure that aligns with the site’s overall aesthetic. The design sets the tone for the user experience and supports intuitive menus by using colors, typography, and spacing that make navigation elements stand out. Good design also enhances accessibility considerations, ensuring that all users, regardless of ability, can easily interact with the site’s navigation. Through careful design, websites can achieve a balance between form and function, making navigation not only practical but also visually pleasing.

Graphics

Graphics play a significant role in website navigation design by adding visual interest and clarity to the navigation experience. When used creatively, graphics can guide users’ attention to key areas, such as menus or calls to action, and reinforce the overall branding. For example, custom-designed icons can replace text labels in intuitive menus, streamlining the interface and making mobile navigation more accessible. Graphics also contribute to the visual hierarchy, helping users differentiate between primary and secondary navigation options, essential for a smooth user experience.

Icons

Icons are powerful tools in website navigation design that enhance usability and reduce cognitive load. By using universally recognized symbols, such as a magnifying glass for search or a house for the homepage, icons can make user-friendly navigation systems more intuitive. Icons can be used in dropdown menus and other contextual navigation elements to visually represent actions, making it easier for users to navigate the site quickly, especially in mobile navigation contexts where screen space is limited.

Text 

Text within navigation menus and buttons is a critical aspect of **website navigation design** that directly impacts the user’s ability to navigate efficiently. Clear, concise text labels guide users through the site, ensuring they understand their choices without confusion. The wording used in navigation should align with user expectations and be easy to scan, which enhances the overall **navigation structure**. Well-crafted text within navigation elements supports **accessibility considerations** by making the site more navigable for users with screen readers or other assistive technologies.

Menus 

Menus are central to website navigation design, acting as the primary means by which users explore the site. Whether it’s a top bar, a sidebar, or a dropdown menu, the menu design should be intuitive and easily accessible. A well-designed menu supports user-friendly navigation systems by presenting options in a logical order and grouping related items together. The effectiveness of a menu can be tested through navigation testing, ensuring that users can find what they need quickly and efficiently.

Buttons

In website navigation, design serves as actionable elements that guide users to their desired destinations. These clickable elements should be prominently placed, with clear labels that tell users exactly what will happen when they click. Buttons should also be designed with accessibility considerations in mind, ensuring they are large enough to be easily tapped on mobile navigation and have sufficient contrast to be seen by users with visual impairments. The design and placement of buttons contribute to the overall visual hierarchy of the site, helping users to navigate effectively.

Website Navigation Design Best Practices with Examples 

Ready for effective practices for website navigation? Let’s dive in:

1. Employ Clear Navigation Labels  

One of the most critical aspects of website design navigation is using clear and concise labels that accurately describe the content or function of each navigation link. For example, consider Amazon’s website, where labels like “Books,” “Electronics,” and “Customer Service” clearly indicate the content or purpose of each section. This approach ensures that users can quickly and easily find the information they are looking for without confusion. Clear navigation labels contribute to an intuitive and user-friendly navigation structure, enhancing the overall user experience by reducing cognitive load and preventing mis-navigation.

2. Keep It Simple

Patagonia’s website exemplifies the principle of simplicity in web design. Their navigation structure is straightforward, with a minimalist approach focusing on essential elements. The site avoids unnecessary complexity, allowing users to browse products and information without feeling overwhelmed. This simplicity also extends to the visual design, with clean lines, ample white space, and a limited color palette that directs attention to the most important content. By prioritizing simplicity, Patagonia creates a seamless and enjoyable user experience, demonstrating that effective website design navigation doesn’t need to be complicated.

3. Refrain from Using Small Dropdown Menus 

Tiny dropdown menus can be a source of frustration for users, especially when they are difficult to click or tap on. A better approach is to use larger, more accessible menus, as seen on the Apple website. Apple’s dropdown menus are generously sized and spaced, making them easy to interact with on both desktop and mobile devices. This design choice reduces the likelihood of user error and improves the overall usability of the site. By avoiding small dropdown menus, you create a more user-friendly navigation system that accommodates a wider range of users, including those with accessibility considerations.

4. Make It Visible 

Blizzard Entertainment’s website exemplifies how effective visual design can transform website navigation into a seamless and engaging user experience. The company employs bold graphics and distinct icons, which not only capture the essence of Blizzard’s dynamic brand but also serve a functional purpose by making navigation elements stand out. For instance, the main menu features clearly defined categories such as “Games,” “News,” “Esports,” and “Shop,” each accompanied by visually distinct icons that intuitively guide users to their desired destination. These visual cues are enhanced by a carefully considered color scheme that contrasts key navigation elements against the website’s darker background, ensuring that they are immediately noticeable. This approach is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a navigation system that reduces cognitive load, allowing users to make quick and accurate decisions as they move through the site.

Beyond the use of bold visuals, Blizzard’s website leverages a strong visual hierarchy and thoughtful link architecture to further enhance the user experience. The visual hierarchy is meticulously crafted, with larger fonts and prominent positioning for primary navigation items, while secondary links and content are subtly integrated into the layout. This layered approach ensures that the most important navigation elements are always front and center, guiding users effortlessly through the site. Additionally, Blizzard’s link architecture is designed to be intuitive, with a logical flow that anticipates the user’s needs.

For example, within the “Games” section, submenus are organized in a way that aligns with user expectations, whether they are looking for game updates, community forums, or support resources. This strategic use of visual design and structure not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the website but also contributes to a user-friendly navigation system that accommodates both new and returning visitors. By prioritizing visual clarity and intuitive navigation, Blizzard Entertainment’s website sets a high standard for how design can enhance usability and overall user satisfaction.

5. Optimize for Mobile 

Xiaomi’s website demonstrates the importance of optimizing navigation for mobile users. Mobile navigation has become a critical component of website design navigation with the increasing use of smartphones. Xiaomi’s mobile navigation is designed with large buttons, easily tappable menus, and a responsive layout that adapts to different screen sizes. The site also considers accessibility by ensuring that navigation elements are easy to see and use, even on smaller screens. This mobile-friendly approach ensures that users have a positive experience regardless of the device they are using, maintaining a consistent and user-friendly navigation structure across platforms.

6. Prioritize the Order of Navigation Items

The order in which navigation items are presented can significantly impact the usability of a website. Terra Outdoor’s website uses a dropdown navigation menu that is logically ordered, with the most important categories listed first. This prioritization helps users find key information quickly and reduces the time spent searching through menus. By arranging navigation items in a user-friendly order, Terra Outdoor enhances the overall efficiency of its navigation structure, making it easier for users to browse and interact with the site.

7. Exclude Social Icons from the Header

Including social media icons in the header can clutter the navigation and distract users from the primary content. For example, many well-designed websites, like those of major news outlets, choose to place social media icons in the footer instead of the header. This approach keeps the header clean and focused on the main navigation elements, improving the clarity of the website’s navigation structure. By excluding social icons from the header, you can create a more streamlined and user-friendly navigation system that directs attention to the most important areas of the site.

Wrap-up: Implementing Best Practices for Website Navigation

These best practices illustrate how thoughtful website navigation design can greatly enhance the user experience by creating intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing navigation structures. Always have the purpose of your website in mind and implant designs based on the necessity for either user experience or creativity. Don’t just throw what you want the user to see, instead focus on what your website is and allow the user to interact with it and find their own way. It’s ok to have a daily updated website, but don’t change your design philosophy. By integrating a smart website navigation design, you can keep your originality while offering and introducing your purpose.