The menu on a website is of great importance – it is a navigation tool that allows users to easily and quickly find the information they need. A convenient and attractive menu can significantly improve the user experience and increase the effectiveness of the site. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for creating a menu and share tips on how to avoid common mistakes.
1. Main menu:
The main menu should be easily recognizable and easily accessible. It should be placed in a visible place and have enough prominence on the page. To achieve this, you can use a bright color scheme, contrasting colors for buttons, or underlining the active tab. Use visually appealing and clear icons to denote the sections of the website and make their functions clear.
2. Simple and clear structure:
The menu structure should be logical and understandable for the user. Use hierarchical organization to divide information into main categories and subcategories. Do not overload the menu with too many items – this can lead to overcrowding and make it difficult for users to navigate. Identify key sections and consider which menu items can be combined or excluded.
3. Search:
Include a search function in the menu so that users can quickly find the information they need. The search field should be clearly visible and accessible in the menu. Provide the search function with a dropdown list of suggested queries or an autocomplete function to speed up the search.
4. Mobile menu:
With the increasing number of users visiting websites from mobile devices, special attention should be paid to the mobile version of the menu. It should be responsive and scalable, allowing for easy viewing on small screens. Place a toggle or icon that allows users to open and close the menu to avoid cluttering the screen.
5. Proper use of colors and fonts:
The right choice of colors and fonts can make the menu more attractive and user-friendly. Use contrasting colors to highlight active tabs or buttons. Avoid using too small or illegible fonts – they can make reading and navigation difficult.
6. User-friendly links:
Review all the links in the menu and make sure they are user-friendly and understandable. Use active verbs or keywords to describe the action that the user can perform by clicking on the link. Avoid using overly generic or unclear terms that can confuse the user.
7. Visual effects:
Adding visual effects to the menu can make it more attractive and interactive. Use animations or transitions when hovering over links. This can help users better understand that the links are interactive and can be clicked.
8. Testing and improvement:
Do not stop at the first version of the menu – test it through usability testing and feedback. Find out what users find most useful and what can be improved. Make changes to the menu based on this feedback and repeat the testing.
9. Continuous updating:
Do not forget to update the menu along with the content and structure of the site. Constantly analyze the traffic to sections and menu items to determine which categories or links need to be modified or removed. Take into account user requests and needs and make appropriate changes.
In conclusion, creating a user-friendly and attractive menu on a website is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and analysis. Take the time and effort to create a well-structured menu, clear links, and neat design. Continuously analyze and improve the menu based on user feedback and changes in site content. This will make site navigation convenient and enjoyable for users, leading to an overall improved user experience.