Web page navigation

Navigation around a web page can be achieved in a number of ways. Text, graphic buttons, imagemaps and keyboard shortcuts can all be used in any number of combinations.

Each of these tools may be implemented within a website as long as measures are put in place to ensure that every user can gain access to every page.

Use each checklist to ensure that your web pages comply with these guidelines

Checklist and summary: Core guidance

Checklist

* An HTML text navigation bar is best placed at the top of every page
* The ‘accesskey’ attribute should be used for each link
* Text should be formatted by Cascading Style Sheets
* Text must be legible without the use of Cascading Style Sheets
* Text must be easily distinguishable against a clear background colour
* A ‘skip navigation’ option should be the first element in the list
* There must be no dead-end links

Summary

Not all users choose to view websites using graphics, and many are unable, because of impaired vision, to use images at all. These users may be using small-screen browsers that only display text, or may be visually impaired users using access technology.

It is for this reason that text is the simplest and most powerful tool available to construct a navigational aid for users.