Today, we are going to get into something that is often overlooked but incredibly important in the world of web design - navigation. We have posted quite a lot on the topic and today we are diving into the practices for website navigation. This is likely going to be a series, so we start with the basics and move on to more complex stuff as time passes.
1. Planning
First things first, planning is key. Before you even start coding, take out a piece of paper and sketch out your website. Think about the pages you will have, the content they will contain, and how they will link to each other. This will give you a clear roadmap and make the actual design process much smoother.
Consider the user journey, the actions you want them to take, and how you can make that journey as intuitive as possible. Remember, a well-planned website is a user-friendly website. Make sure that it all ties together and that there are several well-thought-out routes depending on the different segments of your audience, as well as the various purposes they might have. 
2. Keeping it Simple
When it comes to navigation, less is more. You do not want to overwhelm your visitors with too many options. Stick to the essentials and establish clear patterns. This way, users can quickly understand how to navigate your site, making their experience more enjoyable.
Consider using familiar design patterns and keeping your navigation menu consistent across all pages. This not only helps users know where they are, but also where they can go. Quick and seamless pattern recognition is a big part of what makes a smooth navigation.
3. Short and Descriptive Labels
Labels are like signposts guiding your visitors through your website. Keep them short, descriptive, and to the point. Highlight important elements or calls-to-action (CTAs), but remember not to go overboard.
The goal is to guide your users, not confuse them. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Your website might be visited by people from all walks of life, and not everyone might be familiar with industry-specific terms.
4. Visual Separation
Visual separation is a handy tool in web design. It helps users distinguish between different sections and understand the structure of your site. Use colors, fonts, and spacing strategically to create clear visual boundaries. Clutter is a big reason as to why people struggle to navigate this or that web-page. White space helps you prioritize and hierarchize content in a way that is more digestible to people who are less familiar with your website.
But remember, consistency is key. Try to maintain a consistent look and feel throughout your site. This not only makes your site look professional, but also helps users feel at home.
5. Prioritize Links
Not all links are created equal. Some are more important than others, and these should be given priority. Focus on the top half and the tail end of your navigation for the most important links, and use the middle part for less critical ones. This way, you ensure that the most relevant content is always within easy reach. 
Also, consider the context. The importance of a link might change depending on where the user is in their journey.
6. Categorization
Finally, consider using categories in your menus. Which can help users find what they are looking for more quickly and easily. Just remember to keep your categories logical and intuitive. Group related pages together and try to limit the number of categories to avoid overwhelming your users.
A good navigation is like a well-drawn map. It guides your visitors, helping them find what they are looking for and making their journey enjoyable.
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