When someone gets to your website, is there an obvious first step or a variety of sign-posted paths?

And how did you choose that setup?

They’re both valid options, but a lot of people take the “many paths” route without thinking. It’s the default.

You have a menu at the top that includes “services” or “products.” Under each, a dropdown of sub-options. As the business gets bigger, the menu expands until it starts to resemble a spreadsheet.

But you could (even with the same options) define a universal starting point after which you present paths based on interest.

I always think of websites as homes, so here’s the analogy.

In the multi-option case, you walk through the front door and into an open-concept layout.

High ceilings, view through the back window.

Without taking a step, you can see the living room, dining room, kitchen, and doors to what look like bedrooms and bathrooms.

If you know what you want, you can go straight there. You can ignore everything else in the room (including the ambiance, the culture, the vibe).

In the single-option case, the front door leads to a cozy, welcoming entryway. Perhaps your host takes your coat and puts it in a closet.

You can see a hallway ahead, but you can’t tell which rooms are where or even what rooms there are. There’s some discovery to do.

As you walk through the hall, your host gives you a quick rundown of the place. They offer you a drink and tell you to make yourself at home.

Different audiences need and want different things.

And all I’m saying is that it’s a choice. Yours to make, determined by your ideal audience.

Open concept or entry hall?

Architecturally,
James