Vertical sidebar navigation menu : On long-scrolling websites or apps, navigation links can be included within the scrolling content. Users can swipe or scroll vertically to access different sections of the website or app. This design minimizes the need for a separate menu.
Icon-based menus : Use icons to represent navigation options to make the menu visually appealing and efficient. Users can click on icons to access a specific section or action. However, use icons sparingly as they should be easy to understand.
Accordion Menu : Similar to tabs, accordion menus allow users to expand and collapse menu sections to reveal navigation links. This approach works well for organized content but may take up more vertical space.
Keep the navigation consistent between desktop and mobile
Remember that your website navigation structure, labeling, and functionality must remain consistent no matter what device your viewers are using. When users switch between desktop and mobile devices, they should be able to easily identify and interact with the same navigation elements and menu options.
This consistency not only simplifies user interaction, it also builds trust and brand recognition. Users want to know what to expect when browsing your site, whether they’re on a desktop or mobile device. User-friendliness encourages exploration, which increases user engagement and satisfaction.
Navigational Aids: Breadcrumbs and Sitemaps
Breadcrumb trails are a navigational aid that helps users understand their current location in a website structure and navigate backwards. These trails are usually crawler data displayed at the top of a web page, below the primary navigation menu.
For example, if you were browsing a shoe product page, the breadcrumb trail might look like this: Home > Men's Shoes > Running Shoes. It tells you that you started on the home page, then went to the men's shoes section, and finally arrived at the running shoes page.