Example 1. The Firmware Site
I argue against a list as the primary interface/navigation device because it does not map the content on the interface in an easily accessible way. While this list does attempt to categorise the various clusters of information it does not map the information across the screen in ways that make is easy to access. Also, there is a unthought-through use of colour. Colour used in the list to sort content types is not used for the same category of information on the right side of the screen. The words on this interface have to be read in sequence.
Two examples (Actual) and (Alternative) on this page point to the difference between use of list, as an aid to navigation, and a distributed field.
Click Return for "Of Mice and Men" conference paper.
Click the image to visit the Firmware site. At Firmware, use the back button to return to the conference paper.
Example 2. An alternative design suggestion.
This is a rudimentary mock up without use of rollovers et al that would provide more context specific information.
By spreading the information over a field we get to see that certain types of information belong together, such as "Buying" and "Education pricing", that "Support" is separate but related to "Buying" this difference and connection demostrated by the proximity, but use of different colours et al. "Whats New" is designed to catch the eye in the middle of the first half of the screen. Its related to the "Buying" half of the business. "About Firmware" is something altogether different from the other information and thus is placed on its own.
Click Return for "Of Mice and Men" conference paper.