A systematic process of documenting, organizing, and visualizing the structure, content, and relationships within a website or digital platform.

Site-mapping

Site-mapping is a fundamental information architecture practice that involves creating a comprehensive visual representation of a website's or digital platform's structure. This organizational tool serves as a crucial blueprint during the web development process, helping teams understand and communicate the hierarchy and relationships between different pages and content elements.

Core Components

A typical site map includes:

Homepage and main navigation sections
Content pages and their hierarchical relationships
User Flow
Content Strategy and categories
Functional Requirements

Purpose and Benefits

Planning and Organization

Provides a clear overview of website structure
Helps identify gaps and redundancies in content
Facilitates Information Hierarchy

Communication

Creates a shared understanding among stakeholders
Serves as a reference point for Project Management
Aids in Client Communication

Technical Implementation

Guides Database Design decisions
Supports SEO planning
Informs Navigation Design development

Methods and Tools

Traditional Approaches

Hierarchical diagrams
Flowcharts
Spreadsheet documentation

Digital Tools

Wireframing
Diagram creation tools
Collaborative planning platforms

Best Practices

Start with user needs and business objectives
Maintain consistent notation and labeling
Include metadata and page attributes
Consider Mobile-First Design requirements
Document assumptions and constraints

Integration with UX Process

Site-mapping typically occurs during the early stages of the UX Design Process and influences:

Common Challenges

Balancing depth vs. breadth of navigation
Managing complex content relationships
Accommodating future growth
Maintaining consistency across large sites
Integrating dynamic content systems

Future Considerations

As digital platforms evolve, site-mapping must adapt to accommodate:

Related Processes

Site-mapping is closely connected to: