What are the best tools for tree testing and navigation testing in UX research?

1 Tree testing

Tree testing is a method that involves asking users to find specific items or categories in a simplified version of your website or app's menu structure, without any visual design or content. It helps you test how well your IA matches the users' mental models and expectations, and identify any problems or gaps in your labeling, grouping, or ordering of items. Tree testing can be done online or in person, using tools such as Treejack, Optimal Workshop, or UserZoom.

2 Navigation testing

Navigation testing is a method that involves asking users to perform realistic tasks on your website or app, while observing how they navigate through the pages and screens, and collecting feedback on their satisfaction and difficulties. It helps you test how well your IA supports the users' goals and scenarios, and identify any issues or opportunities for improvement in your navigation design, layout, or functionality. Navigation testing can be done online or in person, using tools such as Maze, UserTesting, or Lookback.

3 Benefits of tree testing and navigation testing

Tree testing and navigation testing are complementary methods that can help you optimize your IA and navigation design for your users. By doing tree testing, you can validate your IA before investing in the visual design and development of your website or app, and avoid costly changes later on. By doing navigation testing, you can evaluate your IA in the context of the actual interface and content of your website or app, and measure the impact of your design decisions on the user experience.

4 When to use tree testing and navigation testing

Tree testing and navigation testing can be used at different stages of the design process, depending on your research objectives and resources. Tree testing is usually done early in the process, when you have a draft or prototype of your IA, and you want to test its clarity and effectiveness with users. Navigation testing is usually done later in the process, when you have a functional or interactive prototype of your website or app, and you want to test its usability and desirability with users.

5 How to conduct tree testing and navigation testing

Tree testing and navigation testing involve similar steps, yet may vary depending on the tool and method chosen. To conduct these tests, you must first define your research questions and goals, then select an appropriate tool and method. Next, create the test materials such as the tree structure or prototype, tasks or scenarios, and questions or surveys for the users. After recruiting participants from your target audience or a panel provided by the tool, launch the test either remotely or in person. Monitor the progress and results of the participants, then analyze data such as success rate, time, clicks, paths, feedback and comments to identify key findings and insights. Finally, communicate your results such as strengths and weaknesses of your IA and navigation design as well as recommendations and actions for improvement.

6 Tips and best practices for tree testing and navigation testing

Tree testing and navigation testing are great ways to enhance UX, but they require some planning and preparation to guarantee their quality and validity. To ensure success, align your test with user needs, goals, and behaviors, and avoid personal assumptions or preferences. Additionally, use realistic tasks or scenarios that reflect the users' motivations and contexts, and steer clear of jargon or leading words. Furthermore, recruit a representative sample of users that matches your target audience in sufficient numbers for statistical significance and reliability. Prior to launching the test, check for any errors, ambiguities, or biases in your materials or tool. Finally, be willing to accept feedback and criticism, and use your findings to inform and iterate on your design rather than validate or justify it.