Pattern 23: Breadcrumbs **
AKA:

You are trying to provide users with a SENSE OF LOCATION (15) and, in particular, a clear CANONICAL LOCATION (21).

How can users see where they are relative to the site’s home page, which probably offers more navigation options then other pages?

Therefore

Do not rely solely on breadcrumbs for navigation unless you are very short of space. Breadcrumbs should be complimented by a NAVIGATION BAR (25) and/or other navigational devices. Some navigation however may only be available from the home page, but breadcrumbs need to go on every page.
Put breadcrumbs near the navigation bar and always at the top of the page. Make it clear that they a secondary form of navigation, perhaps by using a lighter or smaller fount. Highlight or embolden the current location. Separate them with a > symbol or other pointer-like device. Clarify their function by saying ‘you are here’. Don’t use them in place of a well chosen page name.

Next DISPLAY THE OPTIONS (79) and use NAVIGATION BAR (25) in parallel with this pattern. Put the SITE LOGO AT TOP LEFT (24).

Contributors and sources
Krug (2000), Nielsen (2000).

The site shown above uses breadcrumbs and a search box as its sole navigation. This works well for a site consisting mostly of articles and reviews and the site is well worth a visit if you are interested in usability. Breadcrumbs provide a depth-oriented navigation bar. They show you how the current page is related to the home page.

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