Tree Testing
What is Tree Testing in User Research?
Tree testing is a user research method used to evaluate the findability of topics in a website or application's information architecture. It involves asking participants to find specific items within a text-only version of a site's hierarchy, helping researchers assess the effectiveness of the site's structure and navigation.
Synonyms: Reverse card sorting, Information architecture testing, Navigation testing, Findability testing
How Tree Testing Works
Tree testing, also known as reverse card sorting, presents users with a simplified text version of a website's structure, stripped of visual design elements. Participants are then given tasks to locate specific items within this structure. This method allows researchers to focus solely on the site's information architecture and navigation paths.
Why Tree Testing is Important for UX Design
Tree testing is crucial for creating intuitive and user-friendly digital products. By identifying navigation issues early in the design process, it helps:
- Improve website organization
- Enhance user experience
- Reduce development costs
- Increase user satisfaction and retention
This method is particularly valuable when redesigning existing websites or creating complex information architectures.
Examples of Tree Testing in Action
Tree testing can be applied in various scenarios:
- E-commerce: Testing product categorization
- Government websites: Evaluating the organization of public services information
- Educational platforms: Assessing course catalog structures
- Corporate intranets: Improving internal information findability
By analyzing success rates, time-on-task, and navigation paths, researchers can pinpoint areas for improvement in the site's structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between card sorting and tree testing?: Card sorting is used to create an initial information architecture, while tree testing evaluates an existing structure.
- How many participants are needed for a tree test?: Typically, 30-50 participants provide reliable results for most tree tests.
- Can tree testing be conducted remotely?: Yes, tree testing can be effectively conducted remotely using specialized online tools.
- When should tree testing be performed in the design process?: It's best to conduct tree testing early in the design process, but it can also be valuable for evaluating existing websites.
