WEB DESIGN: Sitemaps and Mazes

Have you even seen the image of a labyrinth? A simple pathway complicated by detours... Once you enter the maze, you must avoid pitfalls, find trap doors and navigate your way to the other side.

A website is similar to a labyrinth. Correction: a poorly designed website is similar to a labyrinth. It's confusing, difficult to navigate and the target is unclear. These sites make the user feel stupid – even if they end up at the proper destination.

As a designer, it’s your responsibility to make sure that everything makes sense. A well designed website has clear pathways to any destination. Whatever the user’s task may be, you should make them feel empower by a successful journey.

TIP: create a detailed site map.

A site map is one of the most important features of your website. It clearly outlines the way each page is connected. Every time you add a page to your site, think of how it relates to the other pages. Make sure there is a logical connection.


For advanced users:
Public sitemap documents are highly effective for SEO purposes. You should consider posting a file titled “sitemap.xml” in your website’s root folder. For further instructions on creating the sitemap document, visit sitemapdoc.com.

Approaching Web Design: An Overview

Web design is not a science. A science, by definition, is a system of knowledge covering general truths. Unfortunately for designers, there are no creative absolutes.

Designers approach a website the same way painters approach a canvas. They see the potential of each untold detail. The difference? Designers create for interaction; not just observation.

"Design is where science and art break even."
– Robin Mathew

Web designers must create with the user in mind.

Over the next two weeks, I will be discussing several approaches to web design. I will be sharing some strategies that will help you effectively communicate information on the web while maintaining superb aesthetics.