Breadcrumbs are a navigational aid used on websites to display users’ current location within the site’s hierarchy while providing a clear path back to previous pages. Typically shown as a series of links separated by symbols (such as >), they enhance user experience by simplifying navigation and minimizing steps needed to return to earlier sections. This feature proves especially valuable for large websites with complex content structures.
Beyond improving usability, breadcrumbs contribute to search engine optimization (SEO) by creating additional internal links and presenting a well-organized site structure for search engines to index. They help boost a website’s ranking by establishing a logical content hierarchy that benefits both users and search algorithms. As an intuitive navigation solution, breadcrumbs effectively reduce bounce rates while increasing engagement.
From a design perspective, breadcrumbs promote cleaner, more organized layouts. They provide contextual awareness, helping users understand how the current content relates to the broader website structure. This clarity enhances overall user satisfaction and creates more efficient browsing experiences.
👉 See the definition in Polish: Breadcrumb: Nawigacja pokazująca ścieżkę użytkownika