Navigation
Online navigation is essential if we want users to view more than just our home page. Navigation choices must be clear so that users can find what they're looking for; unclear navigation can cause users to give up and leave a website empty-handed.
2.0.1
25 Nov 2019
Main navigation
The main navigation appears across the top of the home page. It features a black gradient background to assist accessibility and visibility of the menu items. The main navigation shows all level 1 headings. Level 2 headings are revealed by hovering over the level 1 headings.
Content navigation
The content navigation appears across the top of all content pages. It features a white background with black text for easy navigation. The content navigation shows all level 1 headings. Level 2 headings are revealed by hovering over the level 1 headings.
Quicklinks bar
Faculty landing pages feature a quicklinks bar that runs horizontally below the page banner. The quicklinks bar allows users to easily access the faculty's level 1 pages.
Vertical side navigation
The vertical tree navigation appears on the left side, and can be used in conjunction with breadcrumbs to help users find their way. Second and third level items are only displayed when a user clicks the arrow icon from the parent menu item. Indents are use to distinguish the levels.
Best practice
Hierarchy
Content must be logically nested in your navigation. Users need to know where they are on the website, and they should be able to navigate to a parent page from the current page using the site's navigation options.
Don't bombard users
Only use navigation that is relevant to the section of the website that the user is on. Navigation information should be concise and should only display links that are relevant.