The importance of structured, consistent and eye catching navigation

Navigation is the most important aspect of web design if a site is to be usable and accessible. Consistency cannot be negotiated here as the user doesn't like to 'learn' new navigation. Debra Bellmaine (2004) says, "a site that makes finding the order page a hunt for buried treasure, will urge the visitor to leave your site and buy elsewhere. Minimally, it sends a strong signal that your company is unprofessional, and purchasing from you could be risky." [1] Web designers should not confuse matters by using funky, intricate navigation no matter how cool it might be. [2]

However, I feel that navigation can look nice as well as being usable. I want my navigation to be eye catching and I plan to have a simple text navigation bar with some sort of underline effect on mouseover which I haven't fully decided on yet.


References

1. Debra Bellmaine. (2004). Good Web Design: The Importance of Navigation. Available: http://www.webdesign.org/web-design-basics/website-usability/good-web-design-the-importance-of-navigation.2748.html. Last accessed 16 March 2010.
2. Unknown. (). Good Website Navigation - Reaching The Information Instantly. Available: http://www.mardiros.net/good-navigation.html. Last accessed 16 March 2010.