Navigation Bars

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A navigation bar is a collection of text- or image-based links that appear in a similar location on each page, aiding the user in navigating the site.  Primary navigation bars most often appear across the top or along the left side of each page.

Charlie Morris explains in his article "Navbars are Nifty (and Necessary)" why they are an essential part of a site.  "A navbar not only makes navigation easier, but is an integral part of a site's branding. When a user sees the navbar, they know what site they're on, and they know that they can get back to where they started any time, so they worry less about getting lost Morris, 1998)."  He adds that your navigation bar should include links to each of the main sections of your site, and should be the same on every page.  Larger sites may include "sectional" navigation bars as well to guide users through submenus.


Is there a navbar on this site?

Related Topics:
Hyperlinked Text
Navigation Bars
Developing Consistency
Back & Next

Questions? Comments?  Do I practice what I preach? Contact me at afensie@attbi.com.
Organizing Your Web: A Guide to Creating Intuitive Navigation Structure was created by Anne Fensie for IT522 at Bridgewater State College.
Copyright 2002
Last updated October 03, 2006