Organise around recognisable destinations
Use labels that describe where a link goes. Group related pages without turning the main menu into a complete site inventory. Keep important contact and service destinations easy to find. A navigation structure based on customer tasks is usually easier to understand than one that mirrors internal teams or uses unexplained brand language.
Make the keyboard path visible
Test tab order, visible focus and activation of links and buttons. A menu that opens on hover also needs an accessible way to open and close without a pointer. Do not trap focus in a non-modal region. Provide a skip link where repeated navigation would otherwise make every page tedious to reach.
Treat the mobile menu as an interaction
Give the open and close controls clear names and an appropriate expanded state. If the menu is modal, manage focus and restore it to the opener when closed. Check Escape behaviour and scrolling. Test the menu with a longer translated label or large text so the final item and close control remain reachable.
Verify the journey after navigation
Ensure the chosen destination loads correctly and that the menu closes when appropriate. Check browser back behaviour and links to sections within a page. Use semantic navigation regions and identify multiple regions clearly. Automated checks can catch some issues, but a complete keyboard walkthrough remains necessary to understand the actual experience.
Your practical checklist
- Use clear destination labels
- Verify tab order and visible focus
- Test mobile opening, closing and focus return
- Walk through complete journeys without a mouse
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