It’s like trying to find your way in a store where the aisles rearrange every time you turn a corner.
Consistent Navigation ensures that navigation elements stay in the same order on each page, helping users find what they need.
Who this impacts
- People with cognitive impairments: Predictable navigation reduces confusion, helping users understand and remember where to find things.
- Screen reader and keyboard users: A consistent navigation layout improves efficiency and predictability, especially for users relying on keyboard shortcuts or assistive technology.
- Everyone: Consistent navigation helps everyone get around without the friction of reorienting to new layouts.
How to meet Consistent Navigation
- Keep navigation in the same order: Ensure that menus, headers, and sidebars are consistently arranged across pages.
- Use templates for uniformity: Design with templates or reusable components to keep navigation elements identical site-wide.
- Check for consistency with assistive tech: Test with screen readers and keyboard navigation to confirm that users experience the same order and layout on every page.
Exceptions
In cases where a page layout differs significantly, such as switching to an admin panel, some navigation items may be adjusted based on context.
Top tips
- Stick to a stable layout: Avoid making users relearn the navigation structure by keeping it uniform across pages.
- Avoid unnecessary rearrangements: Keep primary navigation consistent for ease of use and better user orientation.
- Test for consistency across pages: Use assistive tech to make sure every page has the same navigation order.