When you plan a website, there are many factors to consider. One crucial element (and I can’t stress this enough) – is the structure of the site’s content.
A well-structured site can make it easier for users and machines (think: search engine spiders) to find the information they need, navigate the site efficiently, and engage with the content.
And on the flip side: without a good site structure, you are pretty much setting yourself up for failure.
There are several ways to structure a website’s content, each with pros and cons. Here are some common design patterns.
1. Linear Design: This design involves a fixed sequence of steps a user must follow, much like reading a book from beginning to end. It is handy for guiding users through processes or narratives sequentially and logically. Read all about linear site structure here.
2. Hierarchical Design: This structure is organized like a tree, with a “root” page at the top and various “branches” representing subtopics or subcategories. It’s ideal for organizing vast amounts of data and information, as each branch can house a different topic.
3. Sequential Design: Similar to linear design, but more focused on guiding users through steps or processes. Sequential design is often used for tutorials, sign-ups, or checkout processes where a specific order must be followed.
4. Webbed (or Network) Design: This design allows users to navigate freely between any pages, much like a web. It’s commonly used on websites with a lot of cross-referencing content or when non-linear navigation is preferable.
5. Alphabetical Design: This structure sorts pages or information alphabetically, much like a dictionary or an encyclopedia. It’s ideal for websites with vast content that can be easily categorized by alphabetical order.
6. Chronological Design: Content in this structure is organized based on the time sequence, from newest to oldest or vice versa. This design is often used for blogs, news websites, or any site that frequently updates its content.
7. Category-based Design: This structure organizes the content into different categories, usually showcased on a menu or navigation bar. It’s common for e-commerce websites or any site with a diverse range that can be grouped into distinct categories.
8. Tag-based Design: This structure categorizes content based on tags, making it easy for users to find related content. It’s often used on blogs, news sites, and any site with content around specific themes.
9. User-generated Design: In this structure, the users can influence the site’s organization by adding their own content or categorizing existing content. It’s frequently used in community-based sites, social media platforms, or forums.
10. Hybrid Design: This design combines elements from two or more structures to accommodate a broader range of content and improve user experience. It is common for large-scale websites with diverse content types and complex navigation needs.
- Linear format
- Hierarchical structure
- Sequential structure
- Webbed structure
- Alphabetical structure
- Chronological structure
- Category-based structure
- Tag-based structure
- User-generated structure
- The hybrid strategy
Webbed structure
The webbed structure is a good option for non-linear content, allowing easy navigation between pages and accommodating a wide range of topics. However, it can be overwhelming for users, may not provide a clear hierarchy, and can be challenging to organize.
Alphabetical structure
The alphabetical structure is ideal for organizing large amounts of content and reference materials. Still, it may not allow for easy cross-referencing between pages, may not suit all types of content, and can be too rigid.
Chronological structure
The chronological structure works well for tracking changes and providing historical context. Still, it may not suit all types of content, can be too restrictive, and may not allow easy cross-referencing between pages.
Category-based structure
The category-based structure is easy to navigate, suitable for e-commerce websites, and good for organizing large amounts of content. However, it may not allow for easy cross-referencing between pages, can be too rigid, and may not suit all types of content.
Tag-based structure
The tag-based structure is ideal for organizing content around specific themes and accommodating various topics. However, it can be challenging to manage, may not provide a clear hierarchy, and may not suit all types of content.
User-generated structure
A self-governed structure created by the users can be tailored to visitors’ preferences, accommodate a wide range of topics, and is suitable for community-based websites. However, it’s hard to moderate, may not provide a clear hierarchy, and may be challenging (read: nightmare) to organize.
The hybrid strategy
Combine it all! With a hybrid structure, we combine the benefits of different systems, accommodating a wide range of topics and non-linear content. However, organizing can be challenging and may not provide a clear hierarchy, which can overwhelm users.