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Navigation through a web site? Does it have to be complex and difficult? Are there any guidelines by which one can create a navigational system that would be all things to all viewers? Let us consider some basic facts.

Navigation should:

- be considerate of the users main task.

- be distinct from content.

- be clearly readable.

- be easily scanned for information.

- be easily operated.

- behave as your target user would expect.

- load as quickly as possible.

- be consistent across the web site.

- put a higher premium on usability than branding.

- be localizable.

- be accessible to the impaired viewer.

- work on multiple browsers - display cross browser functionality.

- function easily within mainstream browsers.

Provide a textual alternate navigational system also if your main system is a graphical or Java Script method making sure font size permits easy read - easy use especially for users with older eyes or motor impairments.

Including all the above items within a navigation system will ensure that this area of web site design causes long term minor problems in management both for user and designer.

Effective navigation stands out. It is clear, obvious and highly visible. You will need to have a clear section of the page designated for navigation - one that a visitor will immediately recognize as the navigation area when he or she arrives at the web site. Navigation should not necessarily be the prime focus but it must be highly visible.

On many web sites the main navigation is overly subdued. It sort of 'lurks' on the page but it's not the kind of thing that really gets to a visitor's consciousness. It gets drowned out because there is too much color or excitement in the rest of the page. Occasionally this is okay. You may have some navigation options such as a privacy policy, that need to be available, but don't need to be emphasized. However, aside from those few exceptions, you'll want your navigation to be used. So it will need a voice loud enough to be heard above the excitement of the rest of the web site.

If want your navigation to be noticed keep it away from advertisements. People on the web are highly susceptible to 'banner blindness'. That's a real condition in which people ignore anything that is associated with an advert. Since most people are not fond of adverts they try to avoid them so keep ads and navigation physically separated. Don't let them get mixed together.

Make sure that your navigation doesn't look like an advert. Square or rectangular buttons and images at the top and sides of the page are especially problematic. Critically evaluate all of your buttons and images to make sure they won't be mixed up with ads. Don't leave any confusion in a visitor's mind about where ads stop and navigation begins.