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Database Navigation
A website navigation scheme that can handle large amounts of data
Database/Grid navigationThe database or grid design of website navigation is made up of multiple main divisions and each division is linked to its own database of website sections. This type of navigation can be used effectively when large amounts of data are required in your website's design.Navigation bars and main linksWith database navigation the primary divisions or your website main sections are displayed as a navigation bar or list of links. When a visitor clicks on one of the navigation tabs or main links of your website they should be taken directly to a database of information pertaining to the subject of their search.
Database navigation model diagramBelow is a diagram showing the structure of such a site. As you can see the linking track goes from the homepage or index page to the main divisions of the website and on to the database. This makes information retrieval simple and affords the webmaster an organized website structure that is simple to maintain.
Database Navigation Diagram
Database navigation is the type of website basic layout used by most online merchants to classify and store information on their products. This type of website navigation is also well suited to organizations that document statistics or lists of data for distribution on the Internet.
Examples of database navigationAn auto parts site might use this configuration of database navigation when they develop their website so that their customers can locate a specific part from a particular category. |
| The main divisions could be starters, engine parts, fluids, etc. and the databases would contain information as to specific vehicle, year, etc.. In this way vast amounts of information or website content can be stored on the website for visitor retrieval. Another example would be a search engine such as Google. From their homepage the visitor types in a search term (i.e. main division) which in turn serves up a database of links.
Organizing knowledge with database navigationAs you can see database navigation organizes knowledge into manageable chunks which can be easily accessed by a guest. This enhances user interaction and visitor appeal. Now we move on to the most common form of website navigation, hierarchical navigation.
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For more see: Website Content Navigation
By: Gene DeFazzio
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