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The three web site structures discussed in this passage would include linear, hierarchical, and mixed structures. A linear structured web site is set up identically to an ordinary book. In order to navigate its contents the user must essentially flip through each page, one at a time to move forward or backwards. In the case of the linear web site this would be done by clicking links. The advantage of this method is that it is very organized and the data flows in a sequence. The disadvantage is that to navigate several pages backwards of forward the user must move one page at a time.

Within a hierarchical web site structure the user can view a list of the sites contents and click on links to specific areas of the site. Once arriving at that specific section of the site, there might be further links to navigate to specific areas of the selected topic. The advantage of this method is speed of navigation. A visitor to the site can get exactly where they need to go quickly; the disadvantage is that it is easy to get lost within the site. The users might find themselves bouncing from one topic to the other.

Mixed structure websites utilize attributes from linear and hierarchical methodology. The website might continue to utilize a “table of contents” feature which allows for quick navigation through the site. Once arriving at that area the user might have to continue by means of linear navigation to progress forward. The advantage of this set up would be ease of navigation to a specific area of the site and to make sure the user stays on track. The disadvantage is that once the user arrives at the area they were interested in, they are forced to navigate slowly and lose the ability to jump around.