16 Mark Question

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a sitemap as a planning tool for a website (16)

A site map is a way of showing its customer what will be on a website and how to access it. Its made to show what images, pages and files will be on a website. 

An advantage of using a sitemap is that if its made well it will be easy to understand for everyone. This is important because people will need to understand your ideas for the website to be what you want. its also easy to read as its so simple. A sitemap also allows you to understand what will be needed for the website to work before the designing phase begins. 

Some disadvantages of a sitemap include that there isn't information regarding the pages other than the content that will be available on the pages of the website. it also doesn't show a layout of the websites pages. This is argued as a disadvantage because theirs a lack of information but, its only meant to be a draft of the website not the final thing. 

Another option is a wire plan or a mood board. A wire plan is good if you want to show the design of the pages on a website and its easy to makes changes too as well as cheap. However, a mood board is good for giving its viewer a feel for the look and design of the websites pages as well as keeping the design within the demands of the client. 

Overall my conclusion of a sitemap is that its a great way to start the planning of a website because its simple to read and is cheap and easy to make. Unfortunately, its lacks vital information such as what text will be on each page and the design. This leads me to believe that sitemaps should only be used as a starting plan/draft and not as a final plan as it doesn't provide enough information.