The most common problem users come across is – unable to find the desired content or features in the website or application.
Poorly designed navigation systems leads to more than 75% of usability problems.
The most common user problems
- I am not able to find what I am looking for
- I am not able to get back to previous page
- Where to go next now?
- The link clicked earlier is disappeared
While visiting any website or application the users should be able to answer these questions?
- Where am I?
- Where can I go?
- How do I get there?
- How do I get back?
Characteristics of Usable Navigation
Good navigation is easy to find, the navigation menu should always stand out.
Users have full range of navigation options to navigate from landing (current) page.
Users should be able to find the menu option to navigate smoothly.
Good Navigation always matches with user’s mental model.
Usable navigation always provides users a navigation alternative.
Usable navigational menus are not hidden to users they are rather self-explanatory
The focus should be on most important links, the less important links could be placed in lower levels.
Usable menus always behave in a ways where it meets the user’s expectations.
Usable navigation works in all major browsers. Now days we have trend of responsive menus – A mobile-friendly navigational menus which works in all major device resolutions (Desktop, iPad, iPhone, smart phones etc…)
