Help users to Navigate a service
Documents when service navigation links are appropriate, how GOV.UK header and Service navigation work together, top-level service link selection, utility ordering, and page-specific placement.
What this source can teach
Use this source to study a complete public-service task and the guidance that supports its implementation.
- Start with the original. Open the source and find the guidance or example relevant to your task.
- Trace the connection. Use the claim notes below to see how this site applies the source to specific patterns.
- Check the setting. Compare the source's platform, people, and constraints with your own decision.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global navigation | Choose global navigation when users need repeated access to a small set of top-level product or service sections. | Activating a global navigation item changes to the named top-level section and updates current-state semantics. | GOV.UK Navigate a service guidance defines when services need navigation links, service identity, top-level links, utility separation, and ordering from global to page-specific elements. |
| Service navigation | Choose service navigation when one named service needs persistent identity and a small set of service-level destinations across multiple pages. | Activating a service navigation link changes to the named service section and updates current or active service state. | GOV.UK Navigate a service gives planning rules for repeated multi-task services, service-home links, service-level tools, external links, and ordering from general to specific elements. |
| Utility navigation | Choose utility navigation for controls whose primary job is session management, account access, support, search entry, notifications, language, product switching, or global tools. | Activating a utility button opens the corresponding panel, menu, tray, or inline search surface without changing the current primary destination. | GOV.UK Navigate a service defines ordering from GOV.UK-wide tools to service-level tools and page-specific elements. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Global navigation vs breadcrumbs vs bottom navigation
GOV.UK guidance supports service navigation for repeated, non-linear service use and separates global, service, and page-specific elements.
- Service navigation vs global navigation vs side navigation
GOV.UK Navigate a service gives rules for repeated multi-task services, non-linear journeys, service-home links, external links, and scope ordering.
- Utility navigation vs global navigation vs service navigation
GOV.UK Navigate a service gives ordering rules from GOV.UK-wide tools to service-level tools and page-specific content.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as service-manual evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: GOV.UK Design System. Last checked: .