In all cases, seek the opinions of both the technically minded and relative computer
novices, because each may have different ideas about how information should be
structured. After all, most web designers are technically minded (or at least well versed in
using a computer), and they often forget that most people don??™t use the Web as regularly
as they do. In other words, what seems obvious to you might not be to the general public.
For larger sites, or those with many categories, site maps can be complex. You may have to
create several versions before your site map is acceptable. Always avoid burying content
too deep. If you end up with a structure in which a visitor has to click several times to
access information, it may be worth reworking your site??™s structure.
Basic web page structure and layout
Once you??™ve sorted out the site map, avoid firing up your graphics package. It??™s a good
idea to sketch out page layout ideas on paper before working on your PC or Mac. Not only
is this quicker than using graphics software, but it also allows you to compare many ideas
side by side. At this stage, you shouldn??™t be too precious about the design??”work quickly
and try to get down as many ideas as possible. From there, you can then refine your ideas,
combine the most successful elements of each, and then begin working on the computer.
Although the Web has no hard-and-fast conventions, themes run throughout successful
websites, many of which are evident in the following image of a version of my Snub
Communications homepage.
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