Tree testing process
How do we conduct tree testing ?
Participants are invited to an online activity (much like a survey) and complete a series of tasks. Tasks are created to reflect the kinds of information users are seeking on a website. Typically between 8 and 12 tasks are completed. Participants are given a list of navigation options to select from that reflect the site's information architecture. They then indicate where they would expect to find the information for their task. The process allows an assessment of content groupings and categorisations as well as navigation labels. Follow-up questions are also included to gather additional feedback.
Why do we conduct tree testing?
Tree Testing is crucial in ensuring that a digital products information architecture is user-friendly and intuitive. By conducting structured tests, we gain valuable insights into how effectively users can locate specific information. This data informs refinements to the navigation structure, ultimately enhancing the overall usability of the product.
When do we conduct tree testing?
Tree testing is typically conducted during the early stages of the development of a website or digital product, or when evaluating the information architecture of an existing site.