Build Sitemaps

A sitemap is a visual representation of your product’s structure, showing how pages and features are interconnected. It provides a blueprint for navigation and design.

Why it's Important

Helps teams visualize the overall structure.
Guides design and development decisions.
Ensures logical connections between sections.

How to Implement

List Content: Inventory all product pages or sections.
Organize by Hierarchy: Group and prioritize content based on user and business needs.
Draft Visual Sitemap: Use tools like Lucidchart or Miro to create a visual map.
Iterate with Feedback: Refine the sitemap based on team and user input.
Validate with Users: Test navigation flows to confirm usability.

Available Workshops

Content Inventory Sessions: Document and categorize all product content.
Sitemap Co-Creation: Build initial drafts collaboratively with team members.
Navigation Testing: Validate the sitemap with clickable prototypes.
Feedback Roundtables: Gather stakeholder input on structure and layout.
User Testing: Observe how users interpret the sitemap.

Deliverables

Finalized sitemap diagram.
Documentation of connections between content.
User-tested navigation structure.

How to Measure

Success rates in navigation tests.
Stakeholder approval of the sitemap.
Clarity of connections in the visual map.

Real-World Examples

Google

Clear navigation hierarchy ensures users can easily find apps, tools, and support.

A well-organized sitemap categorizes features like Jobs, Learning, and Networking.

Dropbox

Maintains a simple structure for quick access to key functionalities.

Get It Right

Keep the sitemap clear and uncluttered.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Align the sitemap with user personas and flows.
Test it thoroughly with real users.
Iterate based on findings.

Don't Make These Mistakes

Skipping validation with users.
Overcomplicating the structure.
Assuming users will "figure it out."
Creating silos in navigation without cross-links.
Neglecting updates as content evolves.