Navigation refers to how users move through an interface and access different sections or pages. Effective navigation helps users understand where they are, where they can go, and how to get there.
How are navigation options categorized and labeled (e.g., product, contextual, system, global)?
In Cluster, categorize navigation into "Content" (clusters, library), "Team" (collaboration), "Analytics", and "Settings".
How is global navigation (e.g., main menu, breadcrumbs) visually distinguished from local navigation (e.g., within a section or component)?
Use a persistent left sidebar for Cluster's global navigation, and tabs or sub-menus within specific cluster views for local navigation.
What navigation patterns (e.g., tabs, accordions, carousels) are used for organizing and accessing content?
Use tabs to organize different views within a Cluster (e.g., "Overview", "Content", "Analytics", "Settings").
How does the navigation adapt or simplify for different screen sizes and device types?
On mobile devices, collapse Cluster's main navigation into a hamburger menu to save space.
Use clear and concise labels for navigation options.
Example
In Cluster, use straightforward labels like "My Clusters", "Team", "Analytics" instead of clever or ambiguous terms.
Organize navigation options logically by user goals and information hierarchy.
Example
Group all content creation and management options together in Cluster's navigation.
Distinguish navigation levels visually (e.g., by size, placement, style).
Example
In Cluster, make the main navigation prominent and always visible, while sub-navigation within a cluster view can be smaller and contextual.
Provide breadcrumbs or visual indicators of the current location within the navigation hierarchy.
Example
Show breadcrumbs in Cluster like "My Clusters > Marketing Campaign > Blog Post" to help users understand their location.
Ensure navigation is responsive and adapts well to different screen sizes.
Example
On smaller screens, Cluster's navigation could collapse into a dropdown or off-canvas menu.
Use consistent navigation patterns across the interface.
Example
If using a dropdown for selecting clusters in one part of Cluster, use a similar pattern for other selection tasks.
Provide shortcuts or quick access to frequently used sections.
Example
Include a "Recent Clusters" dropdown in Cluster's global navigation for quick access.
Consider using sticky navigation for long scrolling pages.
Example
Keep Cluster's main navigation visible even when scrolling through a long content list.