Map design considerations for websites 

web design manchester

There are a number of important features that make are essential for effective web design, including the imagery and the typography. Adding a map to your website can also be one such feature, but why are maps important, and what are the design considerations to take into account? Well, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester, we are Manchester’s leading web design experts. And we work with companies and businesses across the North West region, including Southport and Wigan to deliver high quality, effective and practical web design solutions. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you should know about the map design considerations for websites.

Why are maps important in web design?

Maps can serve a number of important purposes for websites. These include:

  • Directing customers or clients to your physical premises – if your company has a physical store or property it can be a great idea to add a map to your website.  Not only does this link both the digital and physical aspects of your website, but this also helps build trust with your potential online customers or clients. In addition, for websites that only advertise products or services, adding a map is the only good option for directing people to your premises, increasing footfall and sales.
  • For travel and tourism companies- for companies in the travel and tourism industry, adding map features to your website can be very beneficial. This could be a map of the local area and features around your location, or the location where your clients are hoping to travel to. This adds more value to your website and can help improve the overall user experience. 

What are the important map design considerations for websites?

There are a number of considerations to bear in mind when adding a map to your website. These include:

  • Icon and menu design- adding a map or including Google maps on your website can be a great feature but this may need an icon or a link to be navigated too easily and quickly. As a result you will need to consider how to make this icon clear and obvious for your potential customers and clients online. This icon will also need to be designed in line with your company style and the other features of your website.
  • Illustration and graphic design- for local maps and area of interest maps you can consider using graphical design and illustration to create something custom for your website. This can help add to your branding and company persona, and add personality and flair to your website. However this is likely to be less accurate and should only be used to trigger the interest of potential customers and clients to do further research on the area.
  • Interactive maps- interactive maps are the gold standard for any website but for this, design isn’t really necessary.  Instead Google maps can be shown as part of your website, offering instant directions and information for your website users.

For more information or advice about professional web design, get in touch with the professionals today, here at Pumpkin Web Manchester.