Create Great JavaScript and CSS Menus Simply (Page 1 of 4 )
You have many options when it comes to displaying your web site's menu on its pages. This article will show you some of the more appealing of these options. We will consider ease of maintenance, aesthetics and user-friendliness.
Many sites today have found new and interesting ways to show menus on their pages. There are still the standard HTML hyperlinks. There's nothing wrong there; simplicity always works. DHTML menus that float up and down the screen appear here and there but are not always that practical. Flash menus add a little extra visual creative flair to an otherwise flat menu system. JavaScript can create very interesting menus that employ both user friendly simplicity as well as looking visually appealing.
In this article, JavaScript menus, the CSS alternative option and their aesthetic applications over the last decade will be demonstrated. These will be useful menus for most sites. The scripts can be edited to the requirements of any type of site, menu system, and so forth.
So, why be bothered with designing menus? CSS drop down menus are pretty cool. If designed correctly, they can reduce editing time on web sites. This is the drop down menu's power as it can be easily and quickly edited, especially if held in a CSS style sheet. That was one of the first attractive selling points for web designers while scrutinizing the latest design methods flourishing on the web. In addition, there are JavaScript menus which cover the same level of functionality and are also quickly edited for today's web designer.
It wasn't too long before menu designs became more intricate. There are now DHTML floating menus, animated flash menus, and many more intricate types. But from a design point of view, it is all about navigational aid and familiarity. How will visitors navigate to the information required? Are the menus laid out in a logical and familiar fashion? Will visitors get lost on the site and therefore lose interest? These are just some of the questions posed when designing a functional JavaScript menu or any menu system for that matter.
It has everything to do with planning a logical structure for the site that allows visitors to find their way. Visitors who find the information they seek are happy visitors. Those who feel differently as the menus let them down simply leave the web site, never to be seen again.
Additionally, a great menu system must be accompanied by great content or the menus become meaningless.
Next: A Combo Box >>
More Design Usability Articles
More By Stephen Davies
