Why Navigation Matters

Navigation is an integral part of every digital product. It provides users with the control they need to navigate through the pages of the product, find the information they need, and complete the desired tasks. Navigation affects the user experience and should be designed in such a way that it arrives at the user’s main objective quickly and easily. 

​

What is the main objective of navigation?

The main objective of navigation is to guide the user in a simple, identifiable way to their destination. Good navigation should make it easy for users to find the information they are looking for and complete the desired tasks with minimal effort.

​

User Experience

Navigation affects the user experience in a digital product in two primary ways. First, it enables users to quickly find the information they need in order to complete a task. Second, it allows users to feel in control of their experience by providing them with the ability to move around the site at their own pace. 

​

Design Process

Designing an effective navigation menu requires careful consideration and thought. During the design process, UX designers and product owners must consider the roles and duties of the different users who will be accessing the product, the content of the product, and the desired user experience. 

​

Best Practices

When designing navigation, the following best practices should be kept in mind to ensure an effective and user-friendly result: 

• Keep the navigation simple and intuitive.
• Use clear labels and helpful categories.
• Provide an accessible hierarchy.
• Utilize familiar symbols and words.
• Tailor the navigation to meet the needs of the particular product.
• Design the navigation for different platforms.
• Incorporate helpful search functionality.
• Keep the navigation consistent across the product.

​

Summarizing

Navigation is an important factor for all digital products and should be designed with the user experience in mind. The main objective of navigation is to guide the user to their destination in a simple, identifiable way and it should be designed with best practices in mind. UX designers and product owners should carefully consider the needs of their user base in order to create an effective navigation menu that allows users to enjoy a seamless experience.