3.2.3 - Consistent navigation
Make sure that navigation controls that appear on multiple pages (like links in a header) are consistent across pages.
Summary
When ways to navigate content (like links) are repeated on multiple pages/screens, the order in which they appear on each page/screen should be consistent.
Requirements
- Navigational items that are repeated on multiple pages of a website (e.g. Search field, social media links, related links panels) are positioned in a consistent order across the website/app.
Why?
This makes it easier for people to learn how to navigate the website/app, and it enables people to develop strategies (like using screen reader shortcuts)for more efficient navigation.
Official wording in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation: Navigational mechanisms that are repeated on multiple Web pages within a set of Web pages occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the user. (Level AA)
See the W3C's detailed explanation of this guideline with techniques and examples.