Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs, also referred to as “trail markers” or “location trails,” are graphical elements that are used to show the current position or navigation path of a user within a computer interface. This navigation aid is especially common on websites, though it can be found in some software applications as well. Breadcrumbs can help users more easily understand their position within an interface, and backtrack from your current location to a previous one, by providing a visual indication of the user’s navigational depth and the previous page visited.

Breadcrumbs are often implemented as a hierarchical navigation system, with each breadcrumb representing one step in the progression of pages. These breadcrumbs are usually placed at the top or bottom of a web page in a consistent format, and are commonly composed of a combination of factors including text labels, hyperlinks, and icons. For example, if a user is currently on a page located at “/south-america/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/,” the breadcrumb navigation path might look like “Home > South America > Brazil > Rio de Janeiro.” By clicking one of these links, the user can jump back to that page and continue navigating the website accordingly.

When its principles are followed, breadcrumb navigation is an intuitive and useful tool for users, often providing an easier experience than with a cramped menu navigation bar. Breadcrumbs are also beneficial for websites that have deep and complex navigation hierarchies, making it easier for users to locate the information they need. As such, breadcrumbs have become a standard part of web design across a variety of different industries, with their use often becoming increasingly widespread as websites expand in size and complexity.

Although web developers can customize breadcrumb navigation to their particular preferences and needs, certain best practices are recommended in order for breadcrumbs to be as efficient and helpful as possible. For instance, it is important for breadcrumbs at the top and bottom of a page to always match and lead the user in the same direction. Additionally, breadcrumbs should contain more than just page titles, as they should reflect the context of the user’s journey.

Overall, breadcrumbs are a great navigation aid for both PC and mobile applications, are used to assist in user experience, and can help simplify the navigation and understanding of complex interfaces.