Definition
That which facilitates movement from one Web page to another Web page.
Information
Navigation is often taken for granted, but it plays a crucial role in getting site visitors to view more than just the home page. If navigation choices are unclear, visitors may elect to hit the “Back”
button on their first (and final) visit to a Web site. Once they enter, the real challenge begins, as it is no easy task to allow first-time visitors to get take maximum advantage of a site.
Over time, some more-or-less standard navigation layouts have developed:
Main Navigation:
* above the fold or left side column
Secondary Navigation:
* below the fold or right side column
(As with any rules, there are exceptions.)
see also: Digital Marketing Tools
Related Terms
Web design, Web site usability
view all terms in the Web Design and Marketing glossary or all terms in the Digital Marketing glossary
Sites
Usable Web : Navigation – list of navigation articles
Web Pages That Suck : Mystery Meat Navigation – yuck
Articles
Is Navigation Useful?
useit.com – Alertbox (January 9, 2000)
