Navigation Influencers - I

Choosing the right navigation paradigm and the right navigation component for a given application requires a good understanding of the navigation influencers which could be the following:

 Content: the most appropriate paradigms to navigate through a list of pictures would be a carousel or a thumbnail panel because a visual selection can be made instantly offering the optimal user experience. On the other hand, a tree would be the most appropriate for a deep hierarchical content such as folder structures.

 Platforms: system software such as operating systems and browsers do influence the types of navigation that a particular platforms supports. For instance, using a standard browser, which was originally design for larger screens, to surf the web on a mobile device still does not offer a good user experience despite the progress made on those tiny devices.

 Devices: desktops, mobile devices, or embedded widgets dictate the space and speed that certain types of navigation require. For example, touch and gesture interfaces are more suitable for mobile devices and appliances than desktops or laptops.

 Volume: the number of items or choices defines the types of navigation that is most appropriate. For example, a large number of items would be much easier to access, sort, arrange, and order in a table rather than a carousel or a wheel.