nonnavigational

NonNavigational is a term used across several disciplines to denote something that does not involve navigation, movement, or routing. As a compound adjective, it is typically used to describe elements, data, or concepts whose function is not aimed at guiding, locating, or directing through space or systems. The precise meaning varies by context, and the term is not standardized as a formal technical category.

In information design and human–computer interaction, non-navigational elements refer to content or controls that do not enable users to move between screens or sections. Examples include static text, decorative graphics, or data visualizations that convey information without providing links or pathways for navigation. This contrasts with navigational components such as menus, breadcrumbs, and hyperlinks.

In data management and geographic information systems, non-navigational data are those not intended for route planning or pathfinding. Such data support analysis, statistics, or presentation rather than traversal. Similarly, non-navigational software features may perform calculations or provide feedback without altering the user’s position within a workflow.

Orthography and usage notes: non-navigational is commonly hyphenated when used as a modifier before a noun (non-navigational data, non-navigational interface). The term is somewhat informal and its exact scope depends on discipline-specific conventions.

See also: navigation, navigational, non-navigation.