Original layout study · directory design
Separate discovery from administration
Visitors need to browse and compare; listing owners need to maintain their information. Keep those journeys distinct. A public result should explain what the place offers and where it is, without exposing the controls intended for an account dashboard.
Write categories people can recognize
Use plain category names and keep the hierarchy shallow. A venue can have several useful attributes without appearing in a dozen similar categories. Test your labels with a few realistic searches before designing a large navigation menu.
Plan for incomplete information
A listing may be missing an image, opening hours or an optional attribute. Design an honest fallback for each case. Avoid filling gaps with invented ratings or claims, and make the detail page useful even when a decorative image is absent.