FAQs

8. What sort of things should we consider re: the site structure?

Everybody knows that a good website delivers useful content in a well-structured way. Essentially, the key to a sound site structure is about consideration, organisation and balance....and this takes time! It should be given significant thought.

There are many ways to do this (perhaps as part of a brainstorming session with your colleagues). Using post-it notes is a good starter approach. Write down the main pieces of information that you have to disseminate and put them into a loose structure. Think about data in different formats, too - do you need to provide .pdfs or spreadsheets? By applying the basic user scenario idea to this, eventually you'll drill down an organised structure which you can then tweak as you go along. Write this up and include it in your brief as it will give the design company a further insight into the scale of the content involved.

Give some consideration at this point to navigational issues also. Do you wish to include a site map? What levels of search facilities do you require - boolean operands, section-specific etc. Should the site use breadcrumb trails or clickable maps? Don't forget that one of the best ways to evaluate what you like and what will work is by checking out the competition and ensuring you don't make the same mistakes or employing devices you deem successful.

Redmoth run workshops to help clients develop a brief. Phone us on 0208 768 1888 for more details.

developing a brief | accessibility | IP | marketing
hosting | user scenarios | costs | site structure

Read more about how to organise a site structure >>

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