Definition of "navigational mechanisms" in mobile context

[JJdeGroot]

In our meeting on October 16, 2024, the definition of navigational mechanisms came up.

We need to consider what would be considered navigation mechanisms in the context of mobile applications.

Success Criterion 2.3.2:

Navigational mechanisms that are repeated on multiple Web pages within a set of Web pages occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the user.

[detlevhfischer]

I think a positive list would include:

• Icon and icon/label tab bars at the bottom of the display
• Navigation elements in the header (back button, more menu, home icon etc()
• Lists of targets poiting to other views brought into view in side sheets or bottom sheets after activating a control (most frequently icons: more icon, hamburger icon, cog icon
• dedicated step navigation like next and previous in processes (e.g., onboarding sequences)
• links in a footer that is repeated on most / many views in the same way, with links often pointing to stuff outside the app context (terms and conditions, technical documentation in web sites, etc.)

Individual inline links of varying function buttons in the content area I would generally not see as navigational mechanism.