Best practice in web design

When it comes to websites, the navigation acts like a compass guiding users to different areas around the site. Keeping it simple, organised and consistent throughout the website helps with the overall user experience.

Navigation bars and buttons

Navigation menus are most often placed horizontally at the top of a website, or vertically on the left. It is important to be:

• consistent with the placement of navigation - this can increase the visual appeal of your design and make it easier for the users to find their way around your site
• clear and concise when assigning categories in your navigation - this can help users to quickly and easily access information about your company or products

Remember also that every graphic you add to your website for navigational purposes increases the download time for the user, so keep navigation buttons simple and reuse the same ones throughout your site.

Ease of finding information

The success of your website will largely depend on how easy it is for users to find the information that they require. In addition to providing good navigation, you can help your users find information by including:

• a site map
• a search facility
• well-organised content
• content planned and tested with users in mind

You can also use links within your site to relate different ideas or content. Try to anticipate what information users are likely to want next, but at the same time leave them free to make their own navigational choices.

Follow the 'three click rule'

The 'three click rule' is an unofficial design rule that suggests that users should reach any information in no more than three clicks from the homepage. For complex sites, use breadcrumb trails (eg Home > Services > Web design) to show their location and aid backtracking.

On mobile phones and tablets, use hamburger menus (three-line icon) or bottom navigation tabs. Ensure touch targets are large enough (minimum 44x44 pixels) and spacing prevents accidental taps.

Mobile responsiveness may also help with optimising your website for search engines. For more, see search engine optimisation.