The main navigation is often presented in a global navigation area, which generally includes the site logo and utility navigation. In many ways, the main navigation defines the boundaries of the site itself. It helps when users get interrupted while navigating and reminds visitors where they are in a site. Visitors can get to other sections of a site efficiently, or they can reset their navigation path and start over using main navigation options. It is comforting to have a persistent navigation mechanism across the site, particularly for large, information-rich sites. The main navigation provides an overview and answers important questions users may have when first coming to a site, such as "does this site have what I'm looking for?" In all cases, just remember that your goal remains the same: to understand the role and purpose of navigation. Still, you may find alternative (or even contradictory) uses of terms in your organization. Whenever possible, alternative names are provided with each of the descriptions.
The terminology describing navigation and navigational types can vary greatly. As you read on, however, keep in mind that there isn't a standard language among designers. To help you ensure navigational concepts are immediately clear on your sites, this chapter surveys the various navigation types and their functions, as well as key page types.
This sets the stage for interacting with the navigation and the site as a whole. The role the page plays in the overall site also gives purpose to different types of navigation.Īll of these aspects work together to allow site visitors to recognize that the main navigation is a main navigation and that local navigation is a local navigation. The navigation on home pages is usually different from the navigation on product pages, for example, and visitors expect certain navigational elements to appear on search results pages. What's more, the type of page on which a navigational menu appears greatly determines the navigation's purpose. The tasks and modes of seeking the mechanism supports Behavior of the navigational links and transition to the next page