Side navigation is usually easier for our users to understand and navigate without being overwhelmed. Here are links to information about studies exploring usability, eye tracking, and other studies indicating that students generally have an easier time seeing and using side navigation:

Optimizing for accessibility, research guides will be in the side navigation format making it easier for users to navigate the guide.

Using Default Layout

Review the order of your boxes in the main column. Double check the boxes are in the order you expect them to be in.

Important Note: Only One navigation layout is available to you. It is "System Default - Side-Nav  3 Col Layout" Template. You will want to re-order the boxes on your guide so that they are in an order that makes sense to your guide.

LibGuides are made with responsive design. This makes it easier for users on phones, tablets, and other mobile devices to read and use them. However, this means that we need to pay attention to where we place content in guides as it will be rearranged to suit the screen size of the user.

When viewing a Side Navigation layout guide on small devices:

• The navigation with be at top.
• The box(es) in the left column will be second.
• The box(es) in the column 1 will wrap around below the left column

When viewing a Tab layout guide on small devices:​

• The tabs (navigation) will be at top.
• The top box will be second (if used).
• The box(es) in left column will be third.
• Additional columns will wrap around below the top box and left column in order from left-to-right.
• The bottom box will always be last (if used).

Implications

• When using Side-Nav layout, limit the box(es) you add underneath the navigation in the left column so readers will focus on the main content in your primary column.
• When using Tab layout, place your most important content in the left column or top box since this is guaranteed to always be at the top of the guide.
• Break up content so there is a natural flow when the columns are rearranged.
• Group similar or themed content closer together in a column so they don't get separated.
• Test your guide on multiple screens (or resize your browser window) before publishing.