User experience (UX) refers to how consumers interact with a product or service provided by businesses. So when we say UX design, it pertains to the design process UX designers conduct to provide meaningful and relevant experiences to end-users of the product or service.
One great example of an application of UX design is an online shopping site. UX design deals with how easy and convenient it is to shop on the site. Website loading, navigation menu, background colors, and checkout process are some aspects the UX design should touch. A well-performing UX design can result in conversion rates of up to 400%. Conversion rates refer to the percentage of users who take a desired action on the site.
A user experience design company that works for businesses knows the importance of navigation in UX design. Specifically, navigation pertains to how users can navigate the website, app, or software or how users can go from this section to that section without a hassle.
Why is Navigation Design for UX Important?
Website users and software/app users want a convenient and easy-to-navigate system. According to Think with Google, about 8 out of 10 internet users will likely revisit and/or share a mobile site that is easy to use. Moreover, 53% of internet users will abandon a mobile site that takes more than three seconds to load. Thus, navigation is definitely important to gain and retain users.
A good navigation design should be easy to understand for the users and give them the confidence to use your product. That way, it can provide credibility to the product. Here are the other reasons why great UX navigation is crucial for products:
UX navigation design gives an overview of the products or services.
On average, users spend at least 6.44 seconds viewing the main navigation menu. Thus for websites that sell products or provide services, it is essential to put a navigation tab that shows the offered products or services in the main menu.
This strategy gives the visitors a chance to immediately look for the product/service they are looking for, which may lead to higher conversion rates.
UX navigation design displays the most important pages on the first view.
Depending on the priority of the site, app, or software, its most important pages should be available at the first view or visit. For instance, online shopping sites should have classified their products, and general classifications should be made available on the main site. Meanwhile, game applications may show the game instructions and settings menu to help first-time game users.
Furthermore, some business brands take their reputation and messaging seriously. Thus, some navigation bars could direct users to the page that talks about their brand and reputation. Some users also value past customer reviews, so they should be incorporated into the navigation design.
As mentioned, the important pages of the site, app, or software depending on the priority of the business. But UX designers can also help them determine what is vital for the business.
UX navigation design increases engagement
Since UX navigation design deals with the experience of the users, great UX navigation can lead to higher engagement. If users find what they need on your site, they will navigate your site from page to page.
But on the contrary, if users immediately leave your site without visiting other web pages, it will likely increase the bounce rate, which measures the number of people who leave your site after only viewing one page. A high bounce rate can result in a lower-rank search in Google. Thus, it is crucial to keep the users on your page and visit its content to increase engagement. One way to do that is to establish a great UX navigation design.
Final Thoughts
For websites, apps, and software, navigation is an important aspect of UX design. It deals with how easy and convenient it is to use the app or software or visit the websites. Users will likely leave the site or look for an alternative app or software once they encounter a bad experience. So it is the responsibility of UX designers to engage and retain them through great UX navigation.
A good UX navigation can result in better credibility for the product, a better overview of the offered product/services of the site, apps, or software, and keep users engaged, which may lead to higher conversion rates.
Taylor is a freelance SEO copywriter and blogger. His areas of expertise include technology, pop culture, and marketing.
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