One of the 4 core web accessibility principles outlined by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is Understandable.
Under this principle, the Consistent Navigation requirement ensures that websites and mobile applications are accessible and intuitive. Meeting this requirement not only enhances the user experience for individuals with disabilities but also improves the overall usability of the site.
In this article, we will explore the nuances of the Consistent Navigation requirement, its benefits, and practical examples of its successful implementation across digital platforms.
What is Consistent Navigation?
The Consistent Navigation requirement mandates that navigational mechanisms, such as menus, links, and search functions, maintain the same relative order across a series of pages on a website or mobile app.
This consistency in layout is key to providing a predictable user experience, which is particularly important for users with disabilities.
It ensures that essential web features are easily located, regardless of the page a user is on.
This requirement does not limit the use of sub-navigation menus or dynamic content; however, it mandates that primary navigation tools, such as “skip to main content” links and search bars, remain consistently placed.
This predictability is a cornerstone of web accessibility, facilitating easier navigation for all users, including those with cognitive and visual impairments.
Who Benefits from Consistent Navigation?
The Consistent Navigation requirement especially benefits users with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. These users can gain from having essential website functions located consistently in the same area throughout a site.
Users with cognitive and intellectual disabilities may become frustrated if they cannot easily locate these features across different pages.
Additionally, users with memory challenges often depend on elements being arranged in a specific order.
For instance, if a main navigation menu appears in the top left corner on one page but moves to the bottom right on another, it can disrupt the user’s ability to find important features.
Consistent Navigation also aids visually impaired and blind users. When implemented properly, Consistent Navigation allows users to quickly locate specific elements across different web pages, as they can anticipate where each element will appear.
This is particularly beneficial for visually impaired users, who often face challenges in seeing computer screens.
For blind users, predictability is also critical. Blind users often utilize screen reading software, which reads text aloud on a web page.
If certain elements, such as a “skip to main content” link, aren’t consistently located in the same position throughout a website, screen reader users will have to listen to their screen readers read content they weren’t expecting.
Hearing a lot of content just to find the information they want can also be frustrating!
Implementing Consistent Navigation: Real-Life Examples
“Skip to Main Content” Link
A primary example of effective Consistent Navigation is the “skip to main content” link at the top of each webpage.
These links particularly assist screen reader and keyboard-only users in bypassing all header elements to access the main content directly. Unlike sighted users, screen reader users cannot visually identify the location of the main content.
Placing a “skip to main content” link in a consistent position across a website significantly simplifies the process of locating essential content for screen reader and keyboard-only users.
Search bar
Another example of effective Consistent Navigation is having a search bar placed in the same location across multiple web pages.
Similar to a “skip to main content” link, a search bar that is consistently positioned greatly enhances navigation for users with various disabilities, including cognitive disabilities, making it easier to find specific content.
This consistency is crucial for maintaining the user’s flow and reducing cognitive load.
Navigation menus
Maintaining a consistent location for navigation menus is also essential for providing a user-friendly digital experience.
As the name suggests, navigation menus are meant to help users find content. If these menus are placed inconsistently—such as on the left side of one page and the right side of another—it can confuse users and hinder their ability to locate content efficiently.
Keeping navigation menus consistently positioned ensures that users know where to find the links they need, enhancing the overall accessibility and usability of the site.
Conclusion
While Consistent Navigation is a WCAG requirement, it helps ALL users, with and without disabilities, meaning the benefits extend far beyond mere compliance.
By implementing this requirement effectively, websites and apps can become significantly more user-friendly for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
At Allyant, our expert website and mobile accessibility auditing team is equipped to guide you through the intricacies of WCAG compliance, ensuring that your digital platforms are not only accessible but also optimized for a seamless user experience.
Reach out to us with any questions or for further assistance in achieving accessibility excellence.
