To Link or Not to Link...

As suggested, I thought I would put together a review of Chapter 10 from the "Research-Based Web Design & Usability Guidelines" which covers the important guidelines concerning the use of links.

I consider links the Internet's bread and butter. The use of hypertext is the essence of web navigation. Linking begins with the homepage and afford users the means to reaching their goal of desired pieces of information.

In order to be effective, there are several guidelines designers should consider in order to have a efficient and effective site design. Many of the guidelines may be considered commom knowledge to a new, tech-savvy generation, but here is an overview of design guidelines for linking:

Use Meaningful Link Labels -- understandable and easily differentiated by users

Link to Related Content -- Users expect designers to know their sites well enough to provide a full list of options

Match Link Names With Their Destination Page -- Help provide user with necessary feedback

Avoid Misleading Cues to Click -- Symbols usually must be combined with at least one other clickability cue

Repeat Important Links -- Establish more than one way to access content

Use Text for Links -- Rather than images

Designate Used Links -- Use color changes

Provide Consistent Clickability Cues -- Avoid minesweeping (users moving cursor around site to explore), examples: underlining, bullets, arrows, placement in the top center, or left or right panels

Ensure Embedded Links are Descriptive

Use 'Pointing-and-Clicking' -- Rather than mousing over, preferred when using cascading menu structure

Use Appropriate Text Link Lengths -- Long enough to be understood, short enough to minimize wrapping

Indicate Internal vs. External Links -- Tell user if a link will take them away from original site

Clarify Clickable Regions of Images -- Users should have to mouse over to find clickable areas

Link to Supportive Information -- Provide definitions and descriptions if/when necessary

Hope this helps, happy linking!