Comments on: In Defense of Vertical Navigation

By: Theo

Theo — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:06:31 +0000

Excellent article! Vertical, horizontal or even the use of both, have negative and positive aspects. I always try to choose the right one to fit the project needs.

By: Ant Gray

Ant Gray — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:34:11 +0000

Vertical menus are good for vertical or minimalist design.

By: Lauren I. Ruiz

Lauren I. Ruiz — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:05:02 +0000

I respect that everyone has an opinion, but I recognize when I agree with one’s opinion better, and I agree with your article. I like it. You debunked the previous article with simple reasoning.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:04:45 +0000

verticle, horizontal or heck, diagonal, as long it fits the page and adds to the usability then it’s good. there’s really no right or wrong when it comes to visual elements. every designer has their (or should have their) own interpretations.

By: enSo

enSo — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:34:39 +0000

I’m forty-two

By: brig

brig — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:08:53 +0000

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for the defense of design. I particularly like how you stated: ” issue here isn’t the choice of layout—it’s the designer.” This is so true. Those who do not design and only critique, are missing an important piece of the puzzle: CREATIVITY! Excellent thought!

keep it up

By: DesignLovr

DesignLovr — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:16:54 +0000

Great article!
I also disagreed with several of the points the original article made, especially the first one.
I completley agree with your conclusion and think that a designer always should ask himself what benefits the site I’m designing the most, not what is generally better or worse.

By: Carolyn King

Carolyn King — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:48:01 +0000

Thanks for an excellent article. As you say, the visual design and content of elements on a page/screen is just as important as where they are placed.

Designers should keep questioning the unwritten rules, not blindly following conventions or trusting in dubious research. As new technologies come along, like touch screens, iPhones and portable devices, new ways of navigating are needed, and people’s mental models change. There’s no right/wrong way to do it.

By: Bill McEntee

Bill McEntee — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:55:49 +0000

A worthy debate. I subscribe to David Ogilvey’s views on effective print advertising. However, I once worked for a marketing VP who followed Ogilvey so rigidly that he choked the life out of our communications, ruining successive seasons marketing.

There are rules, and there are reasons to break rules.
If a gun fight breaks out at a stoplight, then the rule of the red light immediately ceases to exist, overtaken by the rule of survival.

By: Shane Guymon

Shane Guymon — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:45:03 +0000

NICE JOB! I also had several issues with the Smashing Magazine article. I use vertical navigation in many of the websites I design, and they function beautifully.

I think it is a case by case basis, and depends on the site and design. I really enjoyed your arguments though.