Horizontal Naigation

Navigation can singularly make or break a site. It is responsible for the success of the user’s interaction; if they enjoy using it they will keep coming back. If they don’t, you will never see them again. It should form the backbone to any content-rich site and the starting point for the organisation and architecture of your build.

Traditionally, navigation has always been entirely visible, giving the user the full range of options on screen at any one time. Horizontal navigation pushes its inherent purpose towards an explorative experience and its during this exploration that you can surprise the user and deliver content in an unexpected and enhancing way!

Do

1. Include “quick” navigation. Providing two alternate routes to important content will cater for two distinct types of user. This is particularly important when building explorative navigation.
2. Surprise the user! When breaking conventions make sure you have fun with it!

Don’t

1. Ignore your user. Make sure the navigation is suited to the information you are delivering. A great explorative navigation system is not always the best way to deliver large amounts of information-heavy content.