Smart JavaScript Navigation

Flash has always amazed developers as well as users on its ability to provide interactive navigation tools for websites. This also goes for Java although it might require a more powerful processor to effectively enjoy the navigation tool. Even though these tools require Flash and JRE respectively, they can provide user interaction not found in regular HTML coded websites.

JavaScript also offers the same interactive experience, if not more, compared to Flash and Java. Ajax and JavaScript based applications have navigation tools as well but they never require any downloads from the user’s end. This fact does not slow down the efficiency of their navigation tools which means JavaScript could reach users who cannot download Flash and Java.

Below are the few smart JavaScript navigation practices developers could adapt to their Ajax and JavaScript websites. They are added for their innovation as well as interaction offered to their users.

• JGlide Menu

JGlide Menu is a very unique Navigation tool as it does not go with the established practice of placing the navigation tool on a specific part of the webpage. Users can drag the menu wherever they wanted on the webpage thus helping users save space on their webpage. It has a form of regular sidebar navigation tool with submenus depending on the preference of the developer. The script could also work with JQuery.

• MenuMatic

Another innovative navigation tool using JavaScript wherein it offers shortcuts to links added in the website. At first glance the navigation tool looks very simple but they are actually created based on the links found in the webpages. Developers could easily create navigation tools in their websites faster if they use the latest version of MooTools. The best part is that it can even be implemented as a non-JavaScript menu. Instead of forcing itself to be implemented on a specific programming language, MenuMatic is automatically converted into CSS for faster load time.

• Perspective Tabs

Like MenuMatic, Perspective Tabs could be integrated in the application using the latest MooTools. Its innovation is based on the fact that it could be integrated with animation found in the webpage. This type of tool is a little bit tricky since it will require additional resources from the webpage but if you have a website with animations, this navigation tool could be a great addition.

• GarageDoor with JQuery

Emulate your garage door with this simple navigation tool with the help of JQuery. It looks very simple but very effective in informing users about your website. Hover the mouse over the navigation tool and the menu acts like a door going up unveiling some information about the webpage the user is about to visit. Because it uses JQuery, it can be easily integrated in most JavaScript online applications as a simple plug-in.

These are the simple but remarkably creative navigation tools you can add to your website. Add them to your website to increase interactivity and improve the looks of your application. The source code is already there so integration is practically automatic.