SaaS is a software as a service delivery model. It is software offered by the provider on the web. Customers can access and use the software, typically through a web browser, while the provider manages the infrastructure and security.
SaaS has become a popular delivery model for many business applications, including CRM, HR, and accounting.
So what are SaaS navigation best practices?
It’s about more than just putting a navigation bar on the top or bottom of the page. It’s also about how that navigation bar aids SaaS product users in finding their way. The aim of navigation is for customers to discover what they need with minimal effort while also providing them with a pleasurable experience. When it comes to developing a SaaS product, one of the most essential features is navigation.
It’s also important to note that no one way will work for all SaaS products. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your product and your users.There are a few key things to keep in mind when designing navigation for a SaaS application:
Keep it Simple
The goal is to make it easy for users to find what they need and get where they want to go. Avoid clutter and confusing terminology.
Learn What the User Wants from Their Technology
It’s critical to know your user’s goal and engage them in a focused way that leads them to their intended result when it comes to building effective navigation. So, it’s important to keep in mind:
- What are the primary tasks that users want to accomplish?
- In what order do they need to complete these tasks?
- What information is required to complete these activities?
- What are the individual steps that a user must accomplish in order to complete these activities?
- What are the most important features that we should prioritize for future versions of our product?
- How can you make it easier for your consumers to find what they’re looking for?
Be Consistent
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Use Standard Web Conventions
When it comes to SaaS product navigation, using standard web conventions is always a good idea. This includes using familiar terms and consistent placement of navigational elements.
Some common web conventions include:
Placing the primary navigation at the top of the page
Users are accustomed to seeing navigation bars at the top of web pages. This is where they expect to find it.
Using dropdown menus
Dropdown menus are a common way to organize links and make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for.
Making use of breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs show the user’s current location on the site and provide links back to previous pages. This is especially helpful when a user is several clicks deep into the site.
Including a search bar
A search bar allows users to quickly find what they’re looking for without having to click through different pages.
Use icons judiciously
Icons can be a great way to add visual interest and make it easy for users to understand what a particular link goes to. But, it’s important to use them sparingly. Too many icons can be confusing and make the navigation look cluttered.
Group Related Items Together
Navigation items should be grouped together in a logical way, so users can easily find what they need.
Don't Fall for These Mistakes
Designers often make the mistake of thinking that more is better for navigation. But this isn’t necessarily the case. More doesn’t always mean easier to use. In fact, too much navigation can be overwhelming and make it hard for users to find what they’re looking for.
Another common mistake is using nonstandard terminology. This can confuse users and make it difficult for them to understand where they need to go. It’s important to use familiar terms that users will understand.
Finally, designers often overlook the importance of mobile navigation. With more and more people using their phones to access the internet, it’s essential to have a navigation design that works well on mobile devices. This includes making sure the navigation is easy to use with a touch screen and that links are large enough to be tapped on without difficulty.
Test, Test, Test
Once you’ve designed your navigation, it’s important to test it out. This can be done through usability testing or A/B testing. Try different versions of the navigation and see what works best for your users.
SaaS product navigation is a critical element of the user experience. By following these best practices, you can make sure that your users can easily find their way around your application.
Following these best practices will help you create a SaaS application that is easy to navigate and use.
