Primary Navigation
Primary Navigation’s Key Role in Scaling SaaS Platforms
Investing in a robust primary navigation system is essential for scaling a SaaS platform and achieving long-term business goals. The new primary navigation ensures consistent user interaction and prepares the ZAIDYN Platform for global readiness
Why A Global Primary Navigation Matters
Primary navigation is the backbone of any platform user experience. It serves as the gateway through which users interact with the platform and access its essential features and content efficiently. A well-designed primary navigation system enhances usability, ensuring users can find what they need quickly and without confusion. In preparation to assessing what opportunities the existing navigation had we first looked at the business goals. Here are a few that we prioritized:
•Enable better client self-reliance (self service)
• Enable global readiness
•Improve operational excellence
•Improve ZAIDYN experience quality
ROLE
UX MANAGER
Feedback Facilitation
Feedback Facilitation
Research Synthesis
Design Strategy
Project Scope
Adoption Plan
The Before
I connected with Product Managers across the application space and gathered feedback on pain points and opportunities. Among the conversations a few problem areas really stood out:
•Navigation item label too short, truncation often needed
•Not clear where you are in application
•Co-branding requirements from clients
•Contrast on interaction states are similarly colored
•Gradient background color is an added complexity
Concerns/Tips:
•This update does not overwrite any business features of existing application offerings
•Overlay not pushing UI for expanded mode
•Where does Z logo go?
There are three "homes" - zaidyn home, product home, and user home
•Improve use of icons and labels - purpose not visually obvious in current implementation, high cognitive load for users reported
We Listened
Our approach goes beyond mere aesthetics; it is driven by a deep commitment to improving user experience. Through extensive competitive analysis and user research, we have crafted a navigation solution that aligns with the needs of contemporary users.
•Product standardized active and hover states
•Tooltips on all icons
•Inherits accessibility standards (color, iconography and type sizes)
•Improved space efficiency (including co-branding readiness)
•Increased icon label text limits (previously truncated or cut-off) for globalization readiness
•Ability to have up to 10 navigation items vs. previously 7 max
•Condense and expanded navigation views for improved visual hierarchy and customization real estate
Localization
Localization is the process of adapting messages, features or local conventions to achieve a linguistic, cultural, and geographic fit for the users. The text labels can be translated into any supported languages. Use crisp and short labels which would fit in the defined word limit. More details on localisation would be covered in a separate strategy document.
Few language examples are shown below:
Key Benefits
• Unified Experience: By creating a cohesive primary navigation system, we aim to deliver a consistent experience across our platform. This unification enhances product quality and ensures users can navigate seamlessly from one feature to another.
• Cost Efficiency: A well-structured navigation system can reduce operational costs by minimizing the need for extensive user support and training. When users can find what they need quickly and easily, it leads to fewer support queries and lower associated costs.
• Future-Ready: Our investment in primary navigation also serves as a foundation for future innovations. As we continue to evolve our platform, a strong navigation framework will support the integration of new features and functionalities without compromising user experience.
In summary, investing in primary navigation is a strategic move that pays dividends in user satisfaction, operational efficiency, and scalability. By prioritizing a user-centered approach, we not only enhance our current offerings but also pave the way for future advancements, ultimately boosting confidence and speed in utilizing our products.
Next for Primary Navigation
Client UX Testing results
Delivery and adoption