This study explored the effect of scroll bar and navigation menu co-location on web performance. Participants interacted with fictitious web sites that co-located the menu and scroll bar, or placed them opposite one another. We did not find support for the hypothesis that menu and scroll bar co-location would result in improved menu navigation performance. However, participants indicated a preference for co-location and found it easier and faster to use than non-co-location. The results show a strong advantage for the conventional right-side placement of the scroll bar and a potential benefit for the unconventional right-side placement of the menu.
Effect of scroll bar and navigation menu co-location on Web performance
