Top Navigation with Left Navigation Bar: A User-Friendly Approach

Pros:

Clear organization: A top navigation bar with a left navigation bar helps to organize the content and provide a clear structure to the user. This can make it easier for users to find the information they are looking for.

Consistency: By having the main navigation options in the top navigation bar and sub-navigation options in the left navigation bar, users can quickly and easily find the content they need. This approach also helps to provide a consistent user experience throughout the site.

Flexibility: With a left navigation bar, users can easily navigate to different sections of the site without having to go back to the main navigation options in the top bar. This approach is particularly useful for sites with a large number of pages or sections.

Screen space: Using a top navigation bar with a left navigation bar can help to save screen space by reducing the need for additional menus or navigation options.

Cons:

Complex design: A top navigation bar with a left navigation bar can be complex to design, particularly when it comes to information architecture and navigation flow. This can make it more difficult to implement, particularly for less experienced designers.

Overwhelming: For users who are not used to this type of navigation, a top navigation bar with a left navigation bar can be overwhelming and confusing. This can be particularly true for sites with a large number of pages or sections.

Limited space: In some cases, a top navigation bar with a left navigation bar may not be suitable for sites with limited screen space or where there are multiple other elements on the page that need to be displayed.

Not suitable for all types of sites: A top navigation bar with a left navigation bar may not be the best approach for all types of sites or applications, particularly those with more limited content or a simpler navigation structure.

Examples of websites that use a top navigation bar with a left navigation bar:

1. Basecamp – Project management software that uses a top navigation bar for main sections and a left navigation bar for subsections within each section.
2. Squarespace – Website builder that uses a top navigation bar for main sections and a left navigation bar for editing and design tools.
3. Coursera – Online education platform that uses a top navigation bar for main sections and a left navigation bar for course categories and filters.
4. Pocket – Read-it-later app that uses a top navigation bar for main sections and a left navigation bar for saved articles and tags.
5. Intercom – Customer communication platform that uses a top navigation bar for main sections and a left navigation bar for settings and configuration options.

These examples demonstrate how a top navigation bar with a left navigation bar can be used across a variety of different websites and applications, from project management software to online education platforms to customer communication tools. The key is to consider your specific needs and user expectations when designing your navigation structure, and to ensure that it provides a clear and organized way for users to find the information they need.