[Sigia-l] potential challenge to the dominance of the left nav bar in local navigation

[James Kalbach]

[Jon Hanna wrote:]
> matches a read-content-then-go-elsewhere usage
> pattern to LTR reading

Exactly. From all of the tests we performed with the Audi websites, I
believe this to be most important benefits from the right-hand navigation.

Our findings suggest that users tend to scan the page content first, then
navigate. The potential effect (just a theory – not confirmed) is an
increased understanding and interest on the user’s behalf, a better
communication of the brand message, and an overall improved interaction
the entire site itself from a holistic point of view.

Which has got me thinking about differences between the interaction with
content-based websites and traditional software programs. Seems to me that
with traditional software the user (often) moves first, thereby changing
the state of document or system. (Example: word processor opens in a
“blank” state, user chooses “new document”, the system responds and
changes it state). With a website, the user first orients him/herself
(where am I? Is this where I want to be?), then decides what to do. The
“state” of a web page upon arrival is already final.

Therefore, first sticking a navigation in the user’s face (as with the
left-hand navigation) suggests some interaction is primary, assuming a
common left-to-right eye tracking pattern.

I might be missing a piece of the puzzle there. Any comments?

But this is over rationalizing the whole thing anyway and really just a
reaction to guru blathering in the first place. I agree with Ziya: no
panic (absolutely none) with whatever you choose. The sky is NOT falling.
Do what’s best for the situation.

Cheers,
Jim