Besides the color trends for 2022, there is also a trend for website navigation. The trend is away from the one-pager and towards clear menu navigation.
Wondering why is there a trend for website navigation and why should it be followed? The navigation of the website is closely related to the user experience (user-friendliness). Because only users who are sure to find their way around the website remain. In addition, a meaningful and clear menu ensures that the Google ranking increases and your website is found more easily.
The goal of navigation is to show the user where they are at all times. The user should also be able to find the information they are looking for quickly and easily. However, the operator of the website also has the option of navigating the user to certain places.
Depending on the website, the navigation elements can look very different. The most common elements include the main menu, footer navigation, utility navigation, and breadcrumb navigation.
The main menu is usually placed at the top of the website. The areas can be arranged from left to right or hierarchically. Typical components include the start page, the about us page and (if available) the web shop.
In contrast to the main menu, the footer navigation can be found at the bottom of the website. This gives the user information that can be assumed when operating a website. The data protection declaration, the imprint, the contact and job advertisements can be found in the footer navigation.
Unlike the main menu and footer navigation, utility navigation is not assigned a specific place on the website. Social media buttons, search function and log-in option can be scattered throughout the website.
Breadcrumb navigation was named after the fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel”. Hansel and Gretel always found their way home through the breadcrumbs. Similar to a fairy tale, the navigation should always lead the user back to the parent page or start page.
One pagers are out!
What was the ultimate in web design a few years ago is no longer popular in 2022. Instead of subpages, one-pagers automatically scroll to the desired position after clicking on the corresponding menu item. One-pagers are not suitable for search engine optimization. The subpage can be individually optimized with suitable search terms. The advantage of one-pagers for viewing on mobile devices is also invalidated by the responsive web design.
Preserve the user’s comfort zone
When creating the navigation, make sure that you comply with the common standards. Because by complying, users can quickly find their way around the website without having to get used to a new menu navigation. However, there is still creative leeway if the standards are complied with.
Like one-pagers, drop-down menus are not trending in 2022. The reason for this is also the problematic search engine optimization. The problem with the drop-down menu is the mobile view. Because the mobile view does not have a cursor, which is essential for this menu navigation.
Not everyone wants to implement the classic menu navigation on their own website. An alternative to this is the hamburger menu. The horizontal lines in this menu navigation are reminiscent of the views of a hamburger. Clicking on the menu will collapse or expand it.
A must-have for any website is breadcrumb navigation. By setting icons, the user experience increases. Because on the one hand it helps Google to understand the page structure and on the other hand to increase internal linking.
