Sub Section
This is a Sub Section of the Test Section
Sub Sections are nested folders in OMNI. They have a breadcrumb as well as tabbed links in the left-hand navigation.
Left Navigation
Left navigation should never duplicate top navigation
Use proper folder structure
Use proper folder structure so that left navigation functions properly as well as the breadcrumbs
No custom CSS
Do not put custom CSS in the left navigation, as it is not needed and affects the proper functioning/display of the left nav
Best Practice Guidelines
There should NEVER be external links (links taking users off of your website) in the navigation.
Always Include Home
Your top navigation should include a Home icon so users can navigate back using the menu.
Your navigation order should be determined by user priority and proximity. Typically, the first and last navigation items are often seen first by users (proximity) and the items in the middle second.
A good way to determine users priorities is to look at your site's analytics. Review what people are searching for on your site. Any navigation item that is at 5% or less is statistically irrellevant and you might consider lowering it's priority on the site.
If you are starting a new site from scratch, card sorting excercises and then basic tree testing can help determine labels and priority.
Always try and minimize the number of navigation items, but use informative names with good information scent to help the user. The rule of 7, or Miller's Law is optimal for navigation, especially for top navigation due to space restrictions- try and shoot for it.
Top level navigation files should all be in section folders for the breadcrumbs to work properly.
The first breadcrumb item will always be U of A. The second breadcrumb item should always match your current domain name (just like on this page).
Landing Page Funnels
Put navigation content on your landing pages to funnel users to deeper levels of the site. Never rely solely on site navigation.
About your About Section
Users expect certain content when it is presented under this general label:
- Contact Information- if this is not already it's own navigation item or in your pre-footer (pre-footer is preferred)
- Mission and Vision statements
- History
- "feel good" content- think of this space as a simple, more intimate place for your user to visit to find out what they otherwise might not know about you.