We spoke with two optimization experts to explore this valuable research method:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Lexi Traylor, Digital Designer at The Good<\/a>. She tackles intricate design challenges that optimize user engagement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tristan Gamilis, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Lyssna<\/a>, a leading user experience research platform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll explain how you can use tree testing to assess whether users can find resources within your site or app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Tree Testing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tree testing is a usability technique that helps you understand how users navigate through your website or app\u2019s structure. It focuses on how well people can find information within a system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTree tests may not be the first test that springs to mind when choosing a methodology for your research, but they can provide such a great insight into how easy it is for people to find information,”<\/em> <\/strong>says Tristan Gamilis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By stripping away visual elements and focusing solely on the structure (the \u201ctree\u201d), you can identify if the content organization makes sense or if users are getting lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/thegood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Good-tree-test-example.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTree testing is often called \u201creverse card sorting.\u201d While card sorting<\/a> helps you understand how users would categorize information, tree testing evaluates how easily they can find items within an existing structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both methods offer insights to improve UX and navigation, but tree testing gives you a clear view of how real users expect topics to be organized and clustered, making it a valuable step when designing better digital applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTree testing is particularly useful when you’re focusing on the information architecture (like a navigation structure of a site with several categories and subcategories),” <\/em><\/strong>says Lexi Traylor. \u201cWe use it when we want to evaluate how well users can find information within a proposed structure. It’s often used in the beginning process of creating a navigation structure, adding a lot of new categories, or overhauling an existing navigation structure.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Tree Testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tree testing can be done in two ways: qualitative and quantitative. The distinction lies in the type of data you collect and the feedback you aim to gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cQuantitative tree testing focuses on gathering numerical data to identify patterns and measure how well tasks are performed,\u201d<\/em><\/strong> says Tristan Gamilis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It involves collecting data from a larger group of users and gives you measurable results, such as success rates and completion times, which help identify broader trends and patterns. This approach helps validate the effectiveness of your site structure with data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cQualitative tree testing focuses more on understanding the \u2018why\u2019 behind user actions,\u201d <\/strong><\/em>says Tristan. \u201cBy asking follow-up questions after your tree test tasks, you can add context and depth to your findings.\u201d <\/strong><\/em>It\u2019s great for understanding user behavior and uncovering deeper issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both methods are useful, depending on whether you need detailed insights or broad patterns. A robust tree testing exercise should include some of both types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Tree Testing Used For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tree testing evaluates whether users can successfully find specific items or sections within a site’s structure. It\u2019s commonly used to test a website or app\u2019s navigation, but it has other use cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, tree testing examines how easily someone can navigate to a particular product page or find a support section based solely on the category labels and hierarchy. This reveals whether the organization of content makes sense to users and if it aligns with how they think about the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tree testing also tests your category labels and language. By removing the influence of design, it focuses on whether the terms used for menus and category labels are clear for users. If they consistently struggle with certain labels, it\u2019s a sign that the wording might need to be adjusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s look at some practical use cases of tree testing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Product Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When launching a new product, tree testing helps ensure that the information architecture is clear and easy to navigate. It allows you to test the hierarchy before finalizing the design, which saves money, time, and resources before you invest in more development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Website Redesigns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For redesigns, tree testing helps you identify whether changes to the navigation will improve or hinder usability. This ensures that users can still find what they need after a major update or restructuring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testing Information Architecture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tree testing is useful for comparing different versions of a site\u2019s structure. You can run tests to see which version is easier for users to navigate. This helps you make data-driven decisions on which architecture works best for your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Optimizing Ecommerce Navigation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tree testing helps ensure that product categories, filters, and subcategories make sense to users. By testing the hierarchy of products and categories, you can streamline the shopping experience<\/a> and reduce friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Validating Taxonomy Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re changing or introducing new categories or subcategories<\/a>, tree testing helps validate whether these changes work for users. It allows you to test how easily users can adapt to a new taxonomy and whether they can still find information efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tristan Gamilis, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Lyssna<\/a>, a leading user experience research platform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n