Visual Navigation: Simplifying Website Usability

Usability follows the motto “Don’t make me think”. Visitors to a website should be able to find their way around as quickly as possible. True to this motto, content is shortened and the design simplified. The trend in web design is clearly towards reduction. Simplifying Website UsabilityThis trend does not stop at navigation either.

Visual navigation is very popular, especially in online shops. The human brain understands images much faster than words. But how useful are symbols, icons and pictograms really?

Reduction leads to alienation

The main problem begins with the vnpay database selection of symbols used in the pictograms and icons. The right balance between simplicity and comprehensibility must be found. This is because our brain only interprets familiar symbols quickly and correctly. Unknown symbols cause confusion.

A good example of this is abstract painting. The artist Mondrian abstracted the shape of a tree until only horizontal and vertical lines remained. No viewer can recognize the tree in these pictures anymore.

Symbols must be learned

In order for the use of icons and pictograms to really add value, the visitor must first learn the meaning of the symbols used. Combining icons/pictograms and fonts is an easy way to do this. A good example of how this works is Microsoft Word. Simplifying Website Usability In the menu, the commands are combined with icons. Once learned, this makes using the program much easier.

The use of symbols on the website is new book: “territory of delusions therefore only worthwhile for returning visitors. Consistent and consistent use of symbols, icons and pictograms then actually creates the desired added value: the visitor can find their way around more quickly.

Highlight important links

Less is more. This also applies to the use of icons and lack data pictograms. Navigation that consists entirely of words and icons can quickly appear overloaded. Simplifying Website Usability So why not highlight individual, important links? Used sparingly, icons/pictograms are a real eye-catcher.

Conclusion

Navigation on a website is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. The simpler and more logical the navigation is, the better. Purely visual navigation is easy, but not logical for everyone, as icons are quickly misunderstood or not understood at all. By using icons in a targeted manner in combination with text, you can really simplify the navigation of your website.

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