[Sigia-l] Site Map/Index - as Site Element

[Filip Borloo]

Katie,

There are some alternatives to a classic site map ... 

I don't know if you are using any meta data or other form of
classification but we are finding a good directory, with keywords
pointing to relevant pages within the site usually get's used  alot.
And you can link it to whatever search tool you use.
This way you are not just replicating the navigation (which should
"speak" for itself ...) but offer an alternative path.

I hope this helps, 

Good luck

Filip 




>    3. Site Map/Index - as Site Element (Katie Ware)
>    4. RE: Site Map/Index - as Site Element (Lyle_Kantrovich at cargill.com)
> 
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> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 10:00:50 -0600
> From: "Katie Ware" <kcoleware at hotmail.com>
> Subject: [Sigia-l] Site Map/Index - as Site Element
> To: sigia-l at asis.org
> Message-ID: <BAY14-F6831A0008781F83E90D54A0560 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
> 
> Hi all -
> 
> I feel like this has been discussed, but I searched what archives I could
> and didn't see this particular focus.
> 
> I cut my IA teeth on the premise that with a good navigational structure, a
> site didn't need a site map or index as a site element. However, in doing
> some competitive site reviews on corporate sites, I'm finding that many have
> this feature. And that it seems a good way to give another birds-eye view of
> a company - not a replacement for bad navigation.
> 
> I'm wondering what others' thoughts are? We have proposed having a site map
> element to our client, but she feels it's too "90's" and that they are only
> necessary when the navigation is otherwise bad. She's willing to revisit the
> issue as we get further down the road with the site structure. I thought I
> would poll the list and see if I can get some support for adding a site map
> element.
> 
> thanks,
> Katie
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 4
> Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 10:28:26 -0600
> From: Lyle_Kantrovich at cargill.com
> Subject: RE: [Sigia-l] Site Map/Index - as Site Element
> To: sigia-l at asis.org
> Message-ID: <H00007f43727f801.1110817706.hdqt.cargill.com at MHS>
> Content-Type: text/plain;       charset=US-ASCII
> 
> Hey Katie,
> 
> Here's my 2 cents:
> 
> I don't think that site maps add a lot of value for most sites - they
> generally look like the same navigational items that already exist in a
> site's navigation (first and second levels), just laid out differently.
> They might help a bit if the visual and/or interaction design used on a
> site's navigation is a bit "too creative."
> 
> I DO think site indices can add value. If done well, they can represent
> concepts in multiple ways.  E.g. let's say your site reflects a
> customer's way of viewing "the world" - a site index might include items
> that reflect the views (language) of suppliers, or employees, or
> media...
> 
> Good site indices can be quite difficult to create.  The concept is
> simple, but creating one for a large site can be a lot more work than
> you'd think.
> 
> We should get together sometime to chat - haven't talked to you in a
> while.
> 
> Lyle
> 
> ----
> Lyle Kantrovich
> User Experience Architect
> Cargill
> http://www.cargill.com/
> 
> Croc O' Lyle - Personal Commentary on usability, information
> architecture and design.
> http://crocolyle.blogspot.com/
> 
> -----Original Message-----