Design Navigation That Keeps Users Oriented
Navigation & IA · navigation
Updated 2026-07-28
- Every screen should answer three questions:
- Where am I?
- What can I do here?
- Where can I go next?
- Keep primary navigation consistent.
- Show the current location clearly:
- Active states.
- Breadcrumbs.
- Page titles.
- Avoid deep navigation structures that force users to remember where things are.
- Use breadcrumbs for complex systems:
- File management.
- Settings.
- Enterprise applications.
- Good navigation reduces searching and increases confidence.
Related guides
UX Handbook