Designate Visited and Unvisited Links

Classification:
[x] Standard

Categories:
[x] Accessibility/508
[x] Links
[x] Navigation

Standard:

To designate unvisited links, HHS must use the default blue text link color  (#0000FF, RGB (0,0, 255)); to designate visited links, HHS must use the default purple link color (#800080, RGB (128,0,128)). For links that point to the same target, all links should change color to the default purple once the target site has been visited. 

Rationale:

Link colors help users understand which parts of a Web site they have visited.  Providing this feedback, according to several studies, helps improve users’ speed in finding information.  In addition, this color convention is considered a common experience for users on the Web.  By following long understood conventions, we reduce users’ confusion and improve their overall success rates. 

Exemptions:

Primary site navigation links that represent the major categories and topics of a site are exempt.  This primary navigation is typically presented on the homepage and may be persistent across a Web site.  Examples of primary navigation items include tabs and left, right, and middle panels (navigation bars).  Graphic examples are provided below: 

Sources:

Evans, 1998; Nielsen and Tahir, 2002; Nielsen, 1996a; Nielsen, 1996b; Nielsen, 1996c; Nielsen, 2003; Spool, et al., 2001; Tullis, 2001. 

Requirements (content & style): N/A

Related Standards:
Use Text for Links
Presenting Links to Materials in Multiple Languages
Home Page Link

Related Guidelines:
Provide Consistent Clickability Cues (V2, 10:8, p. 93)

Checklist:
Designate visited and unvisited links