pdf version
glossary
help

Cartography for Swiss Higher Education

Navigation >> Multimedia Navigation >> Successful Navigation

1.2.3. Principles of Successful Navigation

Even if there is no optimal technique to realise navigation - according to FLEMING (1998) - there are some rules which lead to a quality navigation (independent of the technique that is used). We here present you some of those rules.

Navigation should:

Non                             Consistent NavigationNon Consistent Navigation Consistent NavigationConsistent Navigation
Without Feedback With Feedback

Which two feedbacks are implemented in the top right example? (Click here for more information)

Non Economic                             ApplicationNon Economic Application Economic ApplicationEconomic Application

How many clicks do you have to do to reach the map in both examples? (Click here for more information)

No Visual Messages Clear Visual Messages
Unclear LabelsUnclear Labels Clear and Understandable LabelsClear and Understandable Labels

Because you can never be sure if all users understand the meanings of the labels of your application, there are two possibilities to ensure their understandability:

  • Write in letters the function of the icons. See the example of the Atlas of Canada below.
Description of Icon                             MeaningsDescription of Icon Meanings (The Atlas of Canada)
  • Implement a tooltip so that the function is described when moving the mouse cursor over the icon.
Description of Icons in TooltipDescription of Icons in Tooltip


Go to previous pageGo to top of the pageGo to next page