Information Architecture & System Mapping for a Marketplace

Created a comprehensive sitemap and information architecture plan for a dual-sided digital platform serving both consumers and local businesses. The project involved meticulously mapping the complete user experience, from public-facing navigation and e-commerce flows to the private, feature-rich dashboard for business owners.

The platform had a complex structure, designed to serve two distinct user types: consumers looking for products and services, and local businesses managing their online presence. Without a cohesive plan, the integration between the customer-facing website and the business-facing dashboard was at risk of becoming disjointed. The lack of a clear, visual blueprint made it difficult for stakeholders to understand the entire system, leading to potential inefficiencies and a fragmented user experience.

I deconstructed the entire platform into a detailed, hierarchical sitemap that served as the master blueprint for its structure. My solution focused on providing clarity and a unified vision by:

Mapping the Consumer Journey: I charted the full user experience, from the homepage and various search paths (by category, keywords) to the individual business and product pages, culminating in the cart and checkout process.

Organizing the Business Owner Dashboard: I created a parallel sitemap for the backend system, breaking down its complex functionalities. This included dedicated sections for Profile Settings, Product Management, Promotions/Coupons, Order Fulfillment, Analytics, and Email Marketing.

Defining Key System Components: I identified and labeled every page, feature, and data field, ensuring a shared understanding for development and design teams.

The completed sitemap became a foundational tool that unified the project. It provided a single source of truth that facilitated better communication and strategic planning across the entire team.

Streamlined Development: Developers now had a clear roadmap, reducing confusion and increasing efficiency in building out the platform.

Enhanced User Experience: The logical structure laid the groundwork for a more intuitive and seamless experience for both business owners managing their content and customers navigating the site.

Improved Scalability: By providing a clear architecture, the sitemap ensures that future features can be added in a logical manner, allowing the platform to grow without becoming unwieldy or difficult to manage.