The layout variations should be used in the context of the information they contain. The content, whether graphical or text heavy, dictates how best it is to be displayed. The absence of navigation has an impact in the user's navigation experience, yet, there is always new variations that result in new ways of presenting the information. The diverse configurations are caused by the local.css file residing in their relative directory.
The default layout configuration employs 2 columns and the navigation bar. The column widths are 370 and 175 pixels wide.
This configuration uses only one column and and the navigation bar.
This configuration is similar to the default except its 2 visible columns are of equal width.
This configuration divides the layout in 4 regions, one is the full width of the 2 columns and it has a navigation bar.
This configuration uses only one column and no navigation.
This configuration uses 2 equal width columns without the navigation bar.
The "T" configuration divides the layout in 3 regions, one is the full width of the layout and the other 2 columns are of equal width. This setup does not have a navigation bar.
Typically more prominent pages could benefit from displaying both, the audience and primary navigation bars at the top, below the header.
A "Fixed width" arrangement provides greater layout design control. With the aid of a grid, stronger compositions can be achieved.
The audience navigation bar is the top most region below the header. High level pages usually show this navigation consistently with the University website.
The rpimary navigation is located right below the audienc enavigation bar. It organizes the website in tis main structural units and is also optional.