• 1. Navigation
  • 1.1. Navigation
  • 1.2. Multimedia Navigation
    • 1.2.1. Definition
    • 1.2.2. Three Navigation Types
    • 1.2.3. Navigation Features
    • 1.2.4. Successful Navigation
    • 1.2.5. Precise and Fuzzy Navigation
    • 1.2.6. Summary
  • 1.3. Thematic Navigation
  • 1.4. Temporal Navigation
  • 1.5. Spatial Navigation
  • 1.6. Self Assessment
  • 1.7. Summary
  • 1.8. Glossary
  • 1.9. Bibliography
  • 1.10. Metadata

1.2.6. Summary

Three Navigation Types

Navigation for multimedia applications can be subdivided into three types:

• Thematic
• Temporal
• Spatial

Navigation Features

There is no single best, one-size-fits-all navigation method available. The suitability of navigation tools depends on the audience, the user's experience and motivation, the task to solve and the type and size of the information space. But there are a few rules that have lead to good navigation:

Good navigation tools guide the user through the information space of a product or web page, helping explore the content and functionalities of a project. They are intuitive and do not force the user to first study extensive manuals or help documents. They are consistent throughout the whole product. This includes the appearance (e.g. Colours and fonts), the placement and the functionality of the tools. Navigation elements should not be dominant in screen layout. (Neumann 2005)

Precise and Fuzzy Navigation

A user can explore an application in two different ways:

1. One exactly knows what information is to be extracted out of an application, what is called precise navigation,
2. One wants to explore the application without any specific targetwhat is called fuzzy navigation.

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Update: 26.1.2012 (eLML) - Contact - Print (PDF) - © CartouCHe 2004-2007 (Creative Commons) - layout based on YAML