First of all let’s make it clear that this post does not refer to sitemap.xml used to optimize the positioning and already discussed in another post, this post talks about the maps tend to have some web sites from your pages.
A site map serves to give the user a general idea of what you have at hand. It really should be an index page, which can quickly find any section. Therefore, it should be designed taking into account the hierarchy of the site and be as schematic as possible, since a web of links is the only strain that produces and the abandonment of the page.
There must be a static section, none of the interactions that make you waste time finding what you want.
I do not think that should be very long because it only needs to teach the user to move around the site, it would be absurd to link each page of the site. To give a very graphic, it would be like a world map, follow the logical hierarchy is marked by continents / countries / capitals or major cities, if dieses one more step to reach people, we would have such a large number of letters or the oceans would not;).
The less movement you have to do better overview of the site will, therefore, if possible, try to outline using multiple columns instead of a unique and endless.
But is really is worth having a Sitemap?
I have a maxim, “if you need to tell the user how to use your website (menu, gallery or any section), that means it is not usable.” And I think it is an absolutely true statement, today, one of the goals we set at the time of designing a site, it is fully navigable, usable, so a Site Map should be an addition, an extra but never a need for the user and usability of the site.
Recent usability studies conducted indicate that only about 7% of users used it, perhaps the reason is that barely 48% of sites are designed to take you, and when they do usually hidden at the bottom of the site .
Nevertheless, I think as I said before, the first thing is the usability and in addition, I think, that is not incorporated in most of our sites, it is always better to give the option not be used, either by ignorance or by not be necessary.
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