Design Principle
Navigation is not a pile of links; it continuously communicates structure and current location.
Principle Navigation is not a pile of links; it continuously communicates structure and current location.
Design action Top nav and sidebar should show current state; list filters, detail return links, and admin entries should share one information architecture.
Examples Positive example: Multi-page communities, knowledge bases, admin tools, and account areas. Counterexample: The current page has no active marker.
Apply when Multi-page communities, knowledge bases, admin tools, and account areas. Pages have secondary sections or filter scopes.
Source notes Source note: Synthesized from Apple HIG, Material Design, GOV.UK/Polaris/Atlassian component practices, and interaction accessibility principles.
Agent Directive
Top nav and sidebar should show current state; list filters, detail return links, and admin entries should share one information architecture.