Streamlining Site Navigation: A Guide to Primary and Secondary Navigation

The Importance of Site Navigation

Site navigation plays a crucial role in determining the usability and user-friendliness of your website. A well-designed navigation system can make or break the user experience, influencing whether visitors return to your site, recommend it to others, or abandon it altogether. By prioritizing site navigation, you can significantly reduce user hurdles and friction, creating a positive experience that fosters loyalty and advocacy.

Primary Navigation: The Gateway to Your Content

Primary navigation is the main interface that links to the most important content on your website. Typically located at the top of each page, it provides users with a clear path to the information they need. The primary navigation menu should be visually distinct, prominent, and easy to use, featuring:

• Bold typography
• Large print sizes
• Contrasting colors

<nav>
  <ul>
    <li><a href="#">Home</a></li>
    <li><a href="#">About</a></li>
    <li><a href="#">Contact</a></li>
  </ul>
</nav>

Secondary Navigation: Supporting Content and User Goals

Secondary navigation menus provide access to supporting content that complements the primary navigation. This may include FAQs, contact pages, jobs, or careers sections. While secondary navigation is essential, it should not overshadow the primary navigation menu. Instead, it should be designed to support the user’s journey, providing additional information and resources that aid in achieving their goals.

<nav>
  <ul>
    <li><a href="#">FAQs</a></li>
    <li><a href="#">Careers</a></li>
    <li><a href="#">Jobs</a></li>
  </ul>
</nav>

Categorizing Content: A Key to Effective Navigation

To create effective primary and secondary navigation menus, you must first categorize your content. This involves analyzing the importance and relevance of each page, section, and piece of content on your website. By doing so, you can identify which content belongs in the primary navigation menu and which is better suited for secondary navigation.

const content = [
  { title: 'Home', importance: 3 },
  { title: 'About', importance: 2 },
  { title: 'Contact', importance: 2 },
  { title: 'FAQs', importance: 1 },
  { title: 'Careers', importance: 1 },
  { title: 'Jobs', importance: 1 }
];

const primaryNavigation = content.filter(item => item.importance >= 2);
const secondaryNavigation = content.filter(item => item.importance < 2);

Tools for Navigation Design

Several tools can aid in designing and optimizing your website’s navigation. These include:

• DYNO Mapper: A website inventory and interactive sitemap tool.
• Lucidchart: A diagramming application for visual collaboration and process improvement.
• OmniGraffle: A tool for creating diagrams, rapid prototypes, and assisting with design and navigation.
• StickySorter: A tool for organizing and categorizing virtual sticky notes.
• Treejack: A popular tool for navigation design assistance, evaluating findability and hierarchy.

Real-World Examples of Effective Navigation

Let’s examine how different designers have applied secondary navigation to their websites:

• Mockplus: Uses a combined menu approach, incorporating both primary and secondary menus in the same space.
• The WWF: Organizes content with primary and secondary navigation menus visible at the top of the page.
• Haywood Golf: Features a simple approach with primary and secondary menus clearly visible on the homepage.