We did not expect much from our Web sites because, for the most part, they were low-cost, experimental affairs. Over almost five years, many things have changed. We do far more with our Web sites, users have higher expectations for success, and we pour significant amounts of money towards our efforts. This puts pressure on us to build Web sites with clear and usable navigation. But there are many barriers to overcome.There are three important aspects to Web navigation. The first is Web site structure: the way we build our pages can simplify or complicate our site navigation. What follows are techniques for keeping Web sites clean and focused. The study of Web site structures is the high-level, tree-top view. From this vantage point we can see all the pieces. We can spot weaknesses to our plan and adjust our pages before we commit to the work.
The second aspect of Web navigation is navigating within the site, from one page to another or from within a page. This is the heart of what people think of when we talk of navigation. Good page navigation techniques will make or break a Web site. The techniques described here are based on research that watched people find information.
The third aspect of Web navigation is the study of using links and information within the site. This is the atomic level within a Web site. Links and how we use words are the nitty-gritty of building a good site. Skipping over the details of links and how to use them, will make it harder for visitors to find information on our sites. But rigorously applying the principles of good information design will make information on our site easy to find and easy to understand.
People have three reasons for visiting a Web site: surfing (entertainment), finding things (news and information), and doing things (Web applications). "Real people doing real things" defines the Web today. The Web is not TV, because Web users want more than TV can give: for example, at AMS, we have built Web sites that allow music lovers to create custom CDs. We have built sites that allow bank customers to apply for credit cards, student loans, and mortgages over the Internet. We have built information sites that allow citizens to access budget numbers from their State comptroller.
Our greatest achievement in building a Web site is helping a person achieve his or her goal. During our research our biggest discovery proved to be that navigation and content work best when they are wed tightly together. "It seems that you cant really separate content and navigation without losing something important in the process.
Good navigation requires good technique. Our techniques are drawn from many disciplines: information design (the shaping of information), navigation design (the connecting of information), graphic design (the shaping of visual objects), and usability engineering (designing to help users reach their goals).
If you have any questions or comments please call me on 0720390184 or e-mail me on webmaster@webcraft.ws.
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