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Re: Re[2]: Re[2]: Dayton Art Alternative Descriptions

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From: Austin, Darrel
Date: Nov 10, 2004 11:07AM

>> Isn't there a value in providing basic site
>> navigation links on every page?
>
> Yes, but the value is negative. :-)

Huh? Site navigation is a critical wayfinding device.

> Would you like watch TV so that 1/4 of the screen on the left is
> devoted to "links" to other channels that you might now be watching?

TV != web. Tv already has a defined, consistent navigation interface...the
remote control.

> Site navigation
> - wastes screen real estate, which is very relevant to people
> using small screens _or_ make use of the "windowing" concept
> and have several windows on the screen (e.g., side by side)

Navigation isn't a waste. But it shouldn't get in the way of the
content...which is what I think you are actually advocating.

> - distracts the user, since normally the user is _either_ trying
> to understand the content _or_ find his way to more interesting
> content; especially if the navigation bar looks nice, it distracts
> people who find it difficult to concentrate.

That's a bit extreme. That's like saying road signs distract people from
getting to their destination. While that *is* true (road signs do distract),
without them, you wouldn't know where you are going.

-Darrel