Pages

Total Pageviews

06 May, 2013

Creating a site map



Decide who the site is for, why it exists and how it should work

This first step to creating a new website is probably the most important link in the design and construction chain, but it also the one most often neglected. I understand the temptation to dive straight into Photoshop and Dreamweaver to get the site up and running as quickly as possible, but it’s a temptation which I force myself to resist, because the only possible outcome is failure on many levels   creating the Sitemap

Functionality and Usability
Just like in graphic design when you need to sketch ideas for a logo or brochure, in website design you need to do the same - but also take it a little further. You have to consider functionality and usability

          Functionality 
   What is the purpose of the site?
   Is it a brochure, a learning tool or an online shop?  
   How will the buttons
   How will the menu links work?
   Where will they lead?
   What will happen when your visitors get there, and why?

           Usability
   Is the navigation system easy to find and understand?
   Do visitors have to guess what to do next, or have you made      it crystal clear?
   Is there anything appearing on the page which does not have a specific purpose?
   Is the navigation throughout the site logical and enticing?
   Is the text clear and easy to read?

After those questions have been answered, it up to the designer to move to the next step which is developing Photoshop visuals.

0 comments:

Post a Comment