Improving the User Experience: Exploring Effective, Accessible Website Navigation Design Strategies

 

When considering website navigation, UX/UI designers identify the specific features the user interacts with, the structure of each page, and the data that will be displayed. A responsive design improves accessibility and compatibility across devices. When navigating large datasets, organizations can implement drop-downs, horizontal navigation, and vertical navigation techniques to improve user interaction and readability. User personas allow UX/UI designers to carefully consider the needs and expected behavior of the audience. By defining the expected user behavior, the navigation sequence becomes verifiable. User feedback and accessibility reviews promote inclusivity and reveal areas for improvement in a design. UX/UI designers follow an iterative design process that allows them to improve website navigation and create engaging, interactive content for their users.


In 10 Great Examples of Website Navigation Design, UI/UX Design Lead Darya Miliushchanka praises the Atterley website navigation (2017). Atterley’s Flat Menu Navigation provides a positive user experience by displaying blog posts and titles with intuitive navigation that allows the user to click on the blog image to read more about the topic. Familiar icons in the right-hand corner invite users to sign in, create a wishlist, or buy an item creating a clear message for user expected behavior. Horizontal navigation allows users to filter preferences for men and women, as well, as promoted categories for specific brands, boutiques, and items. User navigation includes a multilevel approach to addressing user behavior and displaying engaging content in a meaningful way. 



In contrast, Zara’s navigation limits visibility. Users must scroll in a navigational widget to navigate the site. While the concept is interesting, it was poorly implemented. Complex drop-down navigation can be effective when presenting large data sets; however, the information must be categorized in a meaningful way. In Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, UX/UI expert Steven Krug asserts, “The elements of Web navigation should be obvious, easy to understand, and self-explanatory” (2000). He suggests that users should effortlessly meet their needs and desires when interacting with a brand's websites. Intuitive navigation builds trust and confidence, positively influencing the sales market.



Resources


 Krug, S. (2000). Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability. Berkeley, CA: New Riders.


Miliushchanka, D. (2017). 10 Great Examples of Website Navigation Design. https://agentestudio.com/blog/website-navigation-design

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