It’s important to note at the outset that each project needs to be evaluated individually to determine which structure is most appropriate, but I feel that this is one of the options that’s usually overlooked.

What’s the difference?

A mesh structured website is what makes up 99% of the web. A website that links to multiple pages and they generally all link back to each other. There is no set order and your experience ends when you are done. Going to a theme park would be an example of a mesh experience.

Similar to a hose, a linear structure guides the user through a direct (usually pre-determined) flow of pages, then directing them out the other end of the experience. Watching a movie is an example of a linear experience.

Within many online store sites there is an element of both structures. The main site and shopping gallery would use the mesh system while the checkout process would revert back to a linear experience.

Mesh structure pros and cons.

Pros

Web users are very familiar with the mesh system. It allows them to quickly find areas they need or want quickly. Lots of information can be provided, providing users the freedom to see what they want and move on. Sites can be expanded with growth quite easily.

Cons

Users can miss important content. Relies heavily on information layout and page structure to make sure the user understands the key areas. Only a few key areas can be emphasized.

Practical linear user flow.

The most common (although basic) form of linear flow used to be a splash “click here to enter” page, but currently, a linear flow is generally used for any systematical information gathering – such as the Amazon Checkout process shown here.

You start by signing in to verify the user, confirm the address you want the order shipped to, select the shipping type/cost you want, decide how you will pay for the item, enter your billing details, select any of the available options (like gift wrapping), confirm the order, see order confirmation.

Every order follows the same process. Prior to the payment you can bail back out to the shopping area and product gallery, but you always have to go back through the same process (in sequence) to complete the order. Why do they do that? Because each step is important and can’t be missed. Amazon need the information that is collected at each step.

Why would I use a linear flow for a website?

As a designer of interactive promotions, we have found that linear flow is the best way for both the client and the user to gain the benefit they need. The client gets some kind of brand or product placement in front of the user and the user ultimately has a chance to win something.

Here’s an example of an interactive promotion user flow.

But I hear you asking when it would ever be useful in a regular website? While I doubt many content-heavy websites would ever ‘work’ in a linear flow, you can consider adopting a linear flow for sections of your site.

This might be for sites where people are only coming for 1 purpose, or for sites that have some payoff to the user for staying within the flow.

Advantages of a linear experience

You can guide a user through the experience with very few distractions, buttons or options. You can get users to see something they wouldn’t otherwise have seen. It’s something different. It can provide a very fast user experience.

Warnings

If you’re going to attempt to lock people into a linear experience make sure there is a payoff for the user. If they get bored you may experience what is called ‘dropoff’, especially when you reach a barrier page like a form or a page where they need to read a lot of text. Always let the user see the pot of gold at the end of the tunnel, and it can be a good idea to show progress.

—

Have you ever used a linear process within a mess structured site? Let us know how it went for you.