Navigation 'boosted' by sitemaps

Category: Usability

January 7th 08, 10:30

Sitemaps are a key tool for web designers looking to boost ease of navigation, it is advised.

Writing on the ISEdb Scoop blog, Jeff Spires notes that visitors can plan their destination pages using such a feature.

Among Spires' tips for building an effective sitemap are distinguishing different links with colours to maximise usability.

Simplicity is also said to be key by Spires - sitemaps should avoid complicated graphics and be clearly signposted, he explains.

However, these navigational aids should not be the sole way for users to find their way around a site - according to Spires, sitemaps should supplement existing strategies rather than acting as the sole mode of signposting.

Following these tips could make sitemaps "a valuable and integral asset for your online business," he advises.

The tips come after web expert Jakob Nielsen warned on his blog that web 2.0 features should be carefully selected, as an overabundance of rich media features may alienate visitors.

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