UML Modeling and Web Site Design 
Unified Modeling Language
The Unified Modeling Language is a blue print of the structure of any series of tasks and like a blue print describes the tasks in visual terms. I picked this topic because I am interested in it and because it is a benefit in web site design. There are two types of UML models Behavioral and Structural. This web site will focus on the Behavioral Models.
A web site can start out small with just a few pages but it can grow into a large and complex site with many pages and many different functions. The structure must be defined so that the architecture of the site can be understood and changes can be made easily. The UML modeling tools provide a way to handle the complexity of a large web site. This is accomplished by first producing a model of the site. Modeling helps to visualize the component parts of the site and to design the site with an eye towards growth, building in the capability for growth before any web development is done.
"Using a model, those responsible for a software development project's success can assure themselves that business functionality is complete and correct, end-user needs are met, and program design supports requirements for scalability, robustness, security, extendibility, and other characteristics, before implementation in code renders changes difficult and expensive to make. Surveys show that large software projects have a huge probability of failure - in fact, it's more likely that a large software application will fail to meet all of its requirements on time and on budget than that it will succeed. " OMG Object Management Group (I would add the word web as well where the word software is used)
A first example would be a Business Process model. What does the business do and what functions does it need? When the site is laid out in this fashion the needs, functions, goals and outcomes become clear. A modeling package (like the Sparx's Enterprise Architect") is not necessary because the business process can be laid out with pen and paper or in a word document. The following example was taken from Sparx System, Inc, Enterprise Architect UML Modeling System example model. The Pastry Shop is my concoction. The first seven elements combine to display the core business. Move the cursor over them for a brief explaination. Notice "Manage Orders" uses the same elements to describe a different but connected function of the business.
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