The dos and don’ts of web navigation

Do

• Use appropriate types of navigation.
• Provide alternate means of accessing information.
• Ensure links stand out.
• Take advantage of link states to provide feedback for users.
• Get the link state order right (link, visited, hover, active).
• Use styled lists for navigation.
• Use CSS and as few images as possible (preferably one) for rollovers.

Don’t

• Add search boxes just for the sake of it.
• Use deprecated body attributes.
• Style navigation links like normal body copy.
• Use image maps unless absolutely necessary.
• Open new windows from links or use pop-ups.
• Use clunky JavaScript for rollovers.