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

[AF Cossham]

I'm another fan of site maps, partly because I find them to be the most
coherent part of the site (yes, that means the main navigation is failing),
but also because they can
* set out the range of possible areas I might want to go to if I don't know
exactly what is there
* provide an alternative set of terms to the main navigation.

There are lots of different "best" approaches to locating information;
searching, navigating via menus and site indexes are all useful; site maps
are too, depending on the users you have. And since you can't predict
exactly what those users want, why not give them a range of possibilities?
(within reason - I'm sure overkill is possible too)

I'd add a site map as another way of slicing the same cake. If the main
navigation gives a subject approach, then the sitemap can take a functional
approach, for example.

Listera:
> does your audience actually need a birds-eye view of the site at all?

Depends entirely on the use to which the site is being put by the USER. If I
was looking for a job with a company and wanted to scope them first - yes
possibly. If I didn't know what sort of information an organisation might be
able to offer me (say, the ALA), then a site map would be a much better
start.

Users will become more sophisticated as time goes on; the internet is still
very new. If design of websites was perfect, then one approach might be
sufficient. It isn't, so cater broadly, and anticipate future needs too .

Regards,
Amanda Cossham