Understanding Website Navagation
by Logan White

Good vs. Bad Navigation

Effective navigation helps users find what they need quickly, improves accessibility, and enhances the user experience. Let's examine two real-world examples:

Good Navigation: Airbnb

• Minimalist design with a prominently placed search bar.
• Filters for price, property type, and amenities are intuitive and responsive.
• Consistent layout, color scheme, and font choices across all pages.

Bad Navigation: Yale School of Art Website

• Chaotic and unpredictable layout confuses users.
• Lacks a clear menu or navigation hierarchy.
• Poor contrast between text and background reduces readability.
• Fails to meet basic accessibility standards.

Takeaway: While creativity is important, functionality and accessibility must come first in any navigation system. A clear structure supports better user interaction and satisfaction.