Recommendation 8.1.1 Use navigation mechanisms in a consistent manner
New standards released
New standards were launched in March 2009 and replace the previous version, the New Zealand Government Web Standards 1.0. Note that, in order to ease transition to the new standards, version 1.0 (below) may still be used in web development until 31 September 2009. See Meeting the standards.
The Recommendation
Recommendation 8.1.1 Use navigation mechanisms in a consistent manner
Guide to this recommendation
As recommended by the Irish National Disability Authority, ensure that the following characteristics of navigation mechanisms are more or less uniform throughout a site or a series of related sites creates consistency:
- Visual presentation - navigation elements look similar from page to page
- Order - navigation elements are presented in a consistent sequence
- Language - terminology is consistent
- Behaviour - links and navigation controls always do the same thing when activated
This recommendation covers the W3C WAI checkpoint 13.4 for NZ government agencies.
Rationale for this recommendation
Consistency in the web site is a key component of good site design. It enables users to gain a quicker understanding of the structure of the site and enhances their familiarity and confidence with the site. This aids to the desired goal of a good user experience when visiting the site.
