Is it better to use top or side navigation?

Question

this is for a web design showcasing a hotel

Answer 1

Always look at competitor websites. Get the client to tell you what they like. In the end, they will decide which THEY like best even if you have justified another design. So, don't dwell on it too long.

I prefer to use the side navigation for Sub navigation items not
main navigation. For Main navigation, I use the top. However, sometimes I'll make a collapseable left side menu.

You will want to research this further. You may want to read more on how search engines index the page. This is important when it comes to search ranking.

Whatever you decide, steer clear of Flash navigations when you can as they are not properly indexed by the search engines. This was the problem facing the IT staff working on my corporate website. In the next iteration we will not have flash navigation. The wow factor isn't worth the trouble. It can be done, but just requires more work.

Answer 2

Generally you want to go with a side navigation as your main navigational menu. This is because of the users screen, but also users have been trained to look to the left for their immediate navigation... this is also the list they scan to find out where they are going.

It is relatively ok to put navigation across the top in addition to the side navigation. Just make sure that it is either non-critical navigation and that all the options are visible. One of the worst things you can do is make drop down dynamic menus for the very reason that

1) It can leave out users who do not have javascript or the latest plugin which the drop downs may use

2) You want your links visible to search engines to crawl and hidden menu items stop them from doing this.

3) It can cover up other important items on your page that may be of interest to them.

I always recommend a strong left navigation menu with an accenting top menu. If you have a right menu, make it completely non essential and more informational that anything since it may or may not be smashed by the user's resolution.

Hope these recommendations help you with your design.

Answer 3

Typically it is better to use a side navigation. Particularly on the left side. The reason for this is that when you place the navigation on the left side it is guaranteed to be visible no matter that the window size is or what the display setting are. If you put the navigation on top then a smaller window or display setting can chop off part of the navigation (depending on wide it is).

Answer 4

well as you should know websites are difficult to make because of a few reasons...but for one...size of the users monitor. (640x480, 800x 600, widescreen, high res, etc) so ive found it easier to make the site a relatively small size around 800x600. which means on some users browsers you have a space on both sides (left and right). well when a user resizes his/her window the spaces on both sides should shrink first and then the 800x600 window will get cropped off. which is useful when the window is minimized....well this should mean that the navigation bar should be on top. but there are so many factors...id say just do what looks best...not whats the norm. be creative, do something that stands out....