Keep page-location links readable on small screens

What to change

Ask the supplier to make the linked trail above a page readable and usable when section names are long or text is enlarged.

A worked example

Illustrative example

A long service path wraps into two readable lines above the page heading without placing a tiny isolated separator over the following content.

Healthcare website design showing connected desktop and mobile service and enquiry layouts. — Make the service and next step clear on every screen.

Healthcare website accessibility illustrated by a focus outline, keyboard key, contrast samples and form. — Review keyboard access, contrast and understandable form fields.

Why this matters to your practice

A breadcrumb is the short trail showing where a page sits within the website. It can be useful on a deep service page, but long names need enough room on a phone. Avoid shortening them until different services become indistinguishable. Ask the supplier to show the longest real trail rather than a tidy sample with short labels. The result should help a visitor move up a level without squeezing the whole page or creating tiny, hard-to-select links.

How to check the result

Accept when the trail communicates location without causing page-wide horizontal scrolling, clipped targets or a confusing reading order.

A mistake to avoid

Shortening every label to its first word can remove the very distinction the breadcrumb is intended to provide.

Turn reading into a next step

Your action checklist

Work through these checks with your team or supplier. Tick the ones you have resolved and leave unknowns open.

Checks to discussChoose the deepest page with the longest names and inspect its breadcrumb on a phone-sized visible screen area. Check every retained link remains readable and tappable.Enlarge text and use keyboard navigation. Ask the supplier to show how focus remains visible if the trail wraps to several lines.If the design shortens the trail, verify the omitted section can still be understood or reached through a clear control rather than unexplained punctuation.

Your answers and notes

Record what you know, what is still missing and the answer you need from your team or supplier.

What happens next, and who will do it?

Use project decisions only, without personal, patient or confidential details. Entries stay in this page and are not submitted to Kay & Co. Copy or download before leaving; this page does not save your notes.

Related guides

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