Understanding SC 2.4.5 Multiple ways to locate web pages

Multiple Ways: More than one way is available to locate a Web page within a set of Web pages
except where the Web Page is the result of, or a step in, a process. (Level AA)

Intent of this Success Criterion

The intent of this Success Criterion is to make it possible for users to locate content in a manner that best meets their needs. Users may find one technique easier or more comprehensible to use than another.
Even small sites should provide users some means of orientation. For a three or four page site, with all pages linked from the home page, it may be sufficient simply to provide links from and to the home page where the links on the home page can also serve as a site map.

Who benefits?

• Blind and visually impaired users would prefer a search functionality over navigating a large menu
• Some users with with cognitibe disabilities would prefer Table of contents or Site Map to get an overview of the site
• Some users would prefer sequential/leaniar navigation to understand the concepts and the structure of the site
• Some users with limited cognitive abilities would prefer search rather than understanding a complex hierarchy of the site.

Examples of Multiple ways to navigate

• A home page with links to all the pages
• A search functionality
• Site map
• Table of contents
• Primary and secondary navigation menus
• A left/right navigation section in the main content that would move to relevant/recent/backward/forward pages
• Repetition of mainly important links in the footer
• A breadcrumb navigation for processes and sub-layered pages.

Points to ponder

• Fewer than two ways must be available to meet this success criteria
• Though breadcrumb is quite old, it still works if the users want to go back in a process or a layered structure
• Search function is most powerful to achieve faster navigation.
• Menus may become larger and cumbersome; still they work wonders when you look up for a category.

References

Understanding Success Criterion 2.4.5