If you manage a website for a nonprofit, university, or healthcare organization, chances are your audience isn’t just browsing for pleasure. They’re looking for something important: how to donate, how to register for classes, or how to schedule care for themselves or a loved one.
That’s why navigation is so critical. It’s not just about design, it’s about helping people find what they need quickly, clearly, and confidently.
In this post we’ll break down the most common website navigation patterns, along with a look at how AI-powered search is changing and how website owners and editors should think about navigation.
1. Top Navigation Bar
Source: sfcm.edu/
What it is:
A horizontal menu across the top of the page, often with your logo on the left and links like “About,” “Programs,” or “Donate” on the right.
Why it works:
- It’s familiar and expected
- Keeps the most important pages of your website experience front and center
- Easy to use on desktops, tablets and larger mobile devices (depending on the number of options)
Things to watch:
- Too many items can clutter the user interface (UI)
- Not suitable for websites with dense or complex information architecture
Where it fits:
Perfect for mission-driven websites with clear, high-level goals, which use a simple, action-oriented top menu like: Donate, Get Involved, Refer a Patient.
2. Sidebar Navigation
Source: surgeryeducation.ucsf.edu/people
What it is:
A vertical menu, often used on the left side of the screen.
Why it works:
- Ideal for content-heavy sections, like articles or staff directories
- Lets users see where they are in a hierarchy (e.g., Admissions → Graduate Programs → Apply)
Things to watch:
- Can eat up valuable screen space on desktop
- Doesn’t always translate well to mobile unless adapted
- Better for secondary navigation, not primary navigation
Where it fits:
Great for internal portals, academic department pages, or patient resources where structure matters.
3. Dropdown & Mega Menus
Source: www.humaneworld.org/en
What they are:
Hovering over a main menu reveals sub-pages. Mega menus take it further, organizing many links into columns, often with headings.
Why they work:
- Help users browse complex topics (like academic programs or service offerings) without getting lost
- Group related items for easy scanning
- Opportunities to include richer content
Things to watch:
- Need careful organization to avoid overwhelm
- Don’t rely on hover alone, make sure they work well on tap interfaces too
Where they fit:
Larger institutions, like universities or hospital systems, that have complex information architecture or diverse audience groups.
4. Hamburger Menus
What it is:
The 3-line icon that hides and reveals the primary navigation, common on mobile devices.
Why it works:
- Keeps mobile screens clean
- Makes room for other important content like content call to action (CTAs)
Things to watch:
- Some users don’t recognize or notice it
- Always test it for clarity and make sure key pages are still discoverable
- Ensure it works on tap and click
- Should not be used on desktop or larger devices
Where it fits:
Every site should have a mobile-friendly version — hamburger menus are a reliable standard, but don’t hide everything if it’s critical.
5. Footer Navigation
Source: www.flagler.edu/
What it is:
Links placed at the bottom of every page.
Why it works:
- Offers a second chance to guide visitors
- Good place for contact info, careers, privacy policy, and internal links
Things to watch:
- Avoid cramming it with too many items
- Keep it visually simple and organized
- Consider including key items from your main navigation to create a secondary point for users to traverse your site
Where it fits:
All websites benefit from a helpful footer, it’s the safety net for people who scroll all the way down looking for answers.
The Next Shift: AI-Powered Navigation
Now for what’s coming next, and is already starting to show up on forward-looking websites … instead of clicking through layers of navigation, more and more visitors want to just ask a question:
“How do I apply for tuition assistance?”
“I need directions to the clinic.”
“How can I get involved beyond just donating?”
AI-powered search tools, including chat-style interfaces and natural language search are making this possible. It’s like giving your site a smart assistant that understands questions and points people to the right answer instantly.
Why it matters for your mission:
- Saves time for visitors (and staff)
- Reduces friction points, especially during stressful moments (like seeking care or emergency help)
- Helps users find specific, deep content without navigating complex menus
AI tools can supplement your menus, not replace them. For example, a donor might browse your navigation, but a returning volunteer could just ask the chatbot “Where’s the login page for last year’s volunteers?”
As more people expect intuitive experiences everywhere, organizations that invest in smart search tools, especially on high-traffic or information-dense sites, will have an opportunity to stand out.
Choose the right navigation pattern for your needs.
Good navigation helps people find what they need with the least amount of friction. Whether someone wants to make a donation or explore academic programs, choosing the right navigation pattern is critical for making it easier for users to connect with the content that matters most. It’s all about removing friction and guiding people in the right direction.
