STEP 3:
Decide on Navigation
You should decide on a navigation structure prior to beginning your visual redesign. The following should be considered:
Location of navigation--Where will my navigation be located? Most navigation tends to be on the left side of the browser window, and the templates used for the common look and feel reflect that (Left Navigation Bar). However, you may want to also include other types of navigation on other areas of the page (although keep in mind that the navigation in the Footer Bar is required across all USC pages).
Levels/hierarchy--How will your navigation be organized? How many levels of navigation will you have?
Information architecture considerations--Consider how your navigation fits in with other similar organizations on campus.
Some navigation items should consistently appear on all sites of a particular type. The following minimum Left Navigation Bar items are strongly suggested:
For academic units:
HOME--a link to the unit's home page
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS--a link to the listing of academic programs of the unit with contact information
DEPARTMENTS--a link to the department listing for the unit (if applicable)
FACULTY & STAFF--a link to the listing of faculty and staff of the unit with contact information
RESEARCH--a link to the listing of research projects of the unit (if applicable)
CONTACT US--a link to a listing of current addresses, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.
For administrative units:
HOME--a link to the unit's home page
STAFF--a link to the listing of administrators and staff of the unit with contact information
DEPARTMENTS--a link to the department listing for the unit (if applicable)
