Spot the difference — site map or site index
Ever wondered what the difference is between a site map and a site index?
A site map, according to Jakob Nielsen, is the visualisation of a site’s structure to facilitate navigation. It gives visitors an overview of the site’s information areas in a single glance.
A site index, on the other hand, is for visitors who know what they are looking for, but can’t find it via the usual navigation channels. A site index offers easy scanning for known items. It provides an overview of all information on the website outside of its hierarchy, giving visitors direct access to information.
