UX Strategy: 3 Keys to a Simpler Navigation Design
First of all, let’s define the word “navigation” which is the process of moving from one page or location to another. Those transitions can either be instantaneous or display some kind of animation where the two bits of content appear above each other while sliding in and out accordingly. Navigation can be via links on user interface elements, such as carousels or drop-downs, or via a simple link or button placed across several pages within a single website.
Typically in the world of UX, designers get a list of tasks and features and have to create a layout. Oftentimes the final design is presented and they realize that the application needs to be simplified because the core user experience is hidden by the overwhelming amount of features. Instead of starting with the key actions, the designers have to rethink the entire user experience and functionality.
Source: https://dribbble.com/shots/15460220-Medical-Dashboard-Exploration
As UX professionals, our goal is to provide an interface that is easy to navigate, flows better, and that contributes to a holistic user experience. The guidelines below will help you define the reasons why navigation should be simplified. Make it simple.
Provide Sufficient Cues
When designing a user interface (UI) for navigation, provide sufficient cues to let users know what they are accessing. For example, if the top bar has text indicating how many buttons there are, this is sufficient information for users to identify what the top bar is for.
Users must be able to quickly understand the goals and instructions for navigating, especially when the information presented is incomplete or highly complex. Their success at finding solutions depends on recognizing appropriate and effective cues that allow them to interact sufficiently with the application as a whole. Poor usability results in reduced engagement and potentially reduced profits for the application.
Instagram recently moved their shop icon to the main navigation bar to increase the usability of that function. See the changes over time:
Always Allow a Back Button
Source: https://dribbble.com/shots/15462767-Fitness-Workout-App
You should always have a back button, even when you’re just reading a long article from A — Z. Our minds are wired for exploration. Products that don’t provide back buttons are uncomfortable for users because they’re forcing you to leave the page without going back and completing what you started.
Users should always have the ability to back out of navigation menus and close the current tab without losing the context in which they are in the website or app. This rule applies to both web and mobile apps.
Be Consistent in Your Branding
“Consistent branding” is something that is easily forgotten about… It’s one of the first things to fail in UX designs. If I were pitching this idea to you, I’d say that consistency comes next because it forces us to think about the same user.
Visual brand consistency is key to user success. Your user will never pay attention to the navigation if it is disjointed, inconsistent and confusing. A user’s brain works best when there is a cohesive and consistent experience across all parts of your product.
Users expect the navigation to work consistently across all pages. If you change the design on one page but change it back on another page, viewers are likely to get confused.
Conclusion
The best user experience design comes from first identifying which task or feature you are trying to access. This identifies which navigation feature will be most useful in the context of the task or feature you have chosen. If the two options are equivalent or nearly equivalent, then you have satisfied your need for relevant information and can proceed. If one option requires more attention or users are expected to do more than one thing before they get to the desired result, that option will likely be less useful.
Strong navigation is an important part of any successful product. Poor navigation can not only be frustrating to users, but it can also harm your site’s user experience and lead to low visitor satisfaction.
