understanding of user behaviours - Showcase your information architecture skills in practice Essential Navigation Elements Primary Navigation: - Create a clear, consistent global navigation system - Limit primary navigation items to 5-7 options - Use conventional patterns that don’t require learning - Ensure active states clearly indicate current location - Consider using sticky navigation for longer pages Secondary Navigation: - Implement logical grouping of related content - Add breadcrumbs for deeper pages to show hierarchy - Consider using mega-menus for sites with extensive content - Include descriptive sub-navigation for case study sections Utility Navigation: - Add a search function if you have more than 15-20 pages - Include contact/hire me button in a prominent location - Consider language toggles if targeting international clients Contextual Navigation: - Implement “related projects” links between similar case studies - Add “next/previous” navigation between sequential content - Use call-to-action buttons that guide the user journey Information Architecture Best Practices Content Organisation: - Group content into logical categories based on user needs - Create a content hierarchy that prioritises your most impressive work - Build information paths that tell a coherent story about your expertise - Consider user tasks and create shortcuts to high-value actions Navigation Labelling: - Use clear, jargon-free labels that users will under- stand - Avoid clever or ambiguous terms that might confuse visitors - Test your labels with peers who aren’t familiar with your work - Ensure consistency in terminology across your site Visual Communication: - Use visual hierarchy to indicate primary vs. sec- ondary navigation - Implement consistent visual cues for interactive elements - Create visual distinctions between different content types - Use white space strategically to group related navigation items Mobile Navigation Considerations Your portfolio will be viewed on mo- bile devices by busy recruiters and potential clients: - Implement a responsive navigation system that works on all devices - Test hamburger menus carefully for discoverability and usability - Consider bottom navigation for mobile users (thumb-friendly zones) - Ensure touch targets are at least 44×44 pixels for all navigation elements - Test navigation with one-handed use on various device sizes Testing Your Navigation System Before launching your site: - Conduct simple user tests with 3-5 people unfamiliar with your work - Create specific
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