navigation: you have to do it to get where you're going, but it's dull. less is better, and so is having it all at your fingertips (especially on the web).
possibilities: signage, environmental clues, maps
suggestions:
turn common navigational paths into single groups; keep paths short!
80/20 rule: 80% most functional displayed, 20% hidden for extra clarity
clear entry points: most uses shown–more levels for specific tabs
global navigation: consistent set of links, direct from section to section, *looking for a restroom
hub & spoke: one way in, one way out; restrict workflow to force completion of task, *good for small-screened devices like phones
pyramid: link with back and next, *slideshows, * chapters
modal panel: one page, no navigation except go or stop, force user to complete; disrupts flow, *applications, *use in web is not too feasible currently
sequence map: all pages shown in order + "you are here," linear, *numbers or titles differentiate
breadcrumbs: *home>then here>then here>current place, parent pages to present, helpful when jumping deep into tree then back out again
annotated scrollbar: tool tips, skim entire sections, signposts
color-coded sections: which part page belongs to, subtle signpost, clear boundaries, not background but maybe trim, part of text
animated transition: smooth startling place changes, more physical, natural, *mac trans, quick and responsive
escape hatch: unique to non-linear media, direct route back to home or known place, safety
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recipe for a successful website
you need good content. there's no way around a website that's uninteresting.
fresh content is a must.
keep your message simple and to the point.
don't be afraid of making it subjective. trying to please everyone will water it down.
this short and sweet recipe suggestion is something i'll have to keep coming back to in this project, when i lose sight of the end goal and my ideal solution (which...i often do).
///
i keep wondering how we can take this scuba site and order it in a way that makes sense while not being this simple global navigation approach. in preparation for throwing that idea out the window, maybe i'll take a poll: if you were going to a scuba site, what is the number one thing you'd be looking for?
///
recipe for a successful website
you need good content. there's no way around a website that's uninteresting.
fresh content is a must.
keep your message simple and to the point.
don't be afraid of making it subjective. trying to please everyone will water it down.
this short and sweet recipe suggestion is something i'll have to keep coming back to in this project, when i lose sight of the end goal and my ideal solution (which...i often do).
///
i keep wondering how we can take this scuba site and order it in a way that makes sense while not being this simple global navigation approach. in preparation for throwing that idea out the window, maybe i'll take a poll: if you were going to a scuba site, what is the number one thing you'd be looking for?
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