A question we frequently encounter in one form or another is “What should my navigation elements look like?” Without a doubt, there are practically infinite answers to that question. A given look and feel might be appropriate in one context and not work well in another. Additionally, what might look good to you may be perceived differently by others.

Here are our opinions: We often see novice relational designers adding extra large, showy navigation elements, similar to those pictured (Figure 1) ...

that serve no purpose being so big. We’re not sure why this phenomenon occurs, but the frequency is high enough to warrant mention. Although occasionally you may want large and readable navigation buttons—to encourage audience participation in subject matter—navigation normally should be as subtle and out of the way as possible. In other words, unless the audience really needs to see the options available, try blending navigation components into the slide background and make them relatively small. Our general preference is for subtle panels or bars made of small, invisible, text-filled shapes that are located along the side (Figure 2) ...

or at the very bottom of the slide (Figure 3).

Designing discreet navigation should be your preferred practice because, after all, navigation generally exists for the sole benefit of the presenter; there is no need to draw undue attention to it.

Keeping navigation small and unobtrusive is not a problem (visually) for the presenter either. Almost invariably, he or she is closer to the screen or can look at a computer monitor. In both cases, blended navigation that is too small or obscure for the audience to clearly distinguish is readily visible to the presenter. Navigation element design generally can be very subtle. Do be careful, though, if there is a chance ambient light may be cast across the screen during a performance and you have no access to a computer monitor. In this case, subtle navigation can become TOO subtle and disappear into the background, causing the presenter difficulties. Furthermore, most relational presenters do not want to be tied to their computer and loath being dependent upon looking at a computer monitor while presenting. Navigation design, therefore, should be a balance between subtlety and readability when projected.

An effect we like is to fill a shape with two colors, one of them being white (Figure 4).

Make the first color completely transparent and the white color approximately 80 percent transparency. This technique results in a smoky appearance that is subtle and attractive on a dark background.

A VERY STRONG recommendation is to never mix two brightly contrasting colors. Doing so draws undue attention to the buttons and gives presentation materials an amateurish feel—unless, of course, you are designing presentations for a circus or a football team! Especially avoid red and blue combinations and red and green combinations (Figure 5).

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