Principle of Front Doors

The Principle of Front Doors is one of the eight principles of information architecture (IA) coined by Dan Brown. This principle recognizes that users may enter a website or system through various pages, not just the homepage, and therefore, each entry point should offer a coherent and navigable experience. By treating multiple pages as potential "front doors," this approach ensures that users can easily orient themselves and access key content from any entry point.

The Principle of Front Doors is particularly useful for information architects, UX designers, and web developers who aim to create accessible and user-friendly websites. By applying this principle, they can design each entry point to be informative and intuitive, enhancing the overall user experience. This approach helps ensure that users can find their way and access important information regardless of where they start their journey on the site.

Dan Brown introduced the Principle of Front Doors as part of his comprehensive framework for effective information architecture. His principles have significantly influenced best practices in web design and user experience, providing practical guidelines for creating more navigable and user-centric digital environments.

The future relevance of the Principle of Front Doors will grow as websites and digital systems become increasingly complex and users access content from diverse devices and platforms. Advances in responsive design and adaptive content delivery will further enhance the ability to provide coherent experiences across multiple entry points. Ensuring that all entry points remain navigable and informative will be essential for maintaining user engagement and satisfaction.