What are the best tools and methods for card sorting and tree testing?

Card sorting is a collaborative exercise which involves asking users to categorize a set of cards representing content or features into groups and subgroups that make sense to them. This method can be used to generate information architecture ideas, test existing or proposed structures, or compare user perspectives. There are two main types: open and closed. In open card sorting, users create their own groups and labels, while in closed card sorting, predefined categories are provided. A hybrid approach can also be used, combining both types. We use card sorting to test the mental models and vocabulary of our intended user groups.

Various tools are available for conducting card sorting. Online tools offer convenience and flexibility, easier data collection and analysis, and customizable cards and categories. Examples of online card sorting tools include OptimalSort, UserZoom, and ConceptCodify. Offline tools are better suited for face-to-face sessions, allowing for closer observation and interaction with users, and the use of physical cards or sticky notes. Examples of offline card sorting tools are CardSorter, Microsoft Excel, and traditional paper and pens. Some free online tools available for conducting card sorting include FigJam, Miro, UXtweak's Card Sorting Tool, and various templates and resources for remote card sorting.

The best online card sorting tools currently are: 1. UXtweak - supports all types of card sorting exercises (open, closed, hybrid) and has a free Starter plan. On software review sites, UXtweak scores 4.7 out of 5 on G2, while on Capterra, it scores 4.7 for ease of use, 4.8 for value for money, and 5/5 for customer service. 2. Optimal Workshop - again offers all of the card sorting types and scores 4.5/5. On Capterra, it scores 4/5 for ease of use, 4.3/5 for value for money, and 5/5 for customer service. 3. Maze - offers open and closed card sorting studies and simpler statistics. Maze scores 4.5/5 on G2. On Capterra, it scores 4.3/5 for ease of use, 4.1/5 for value for money, and 3.9/5 for customer service.

It involves prompting users to locate specific information or tasks within a simplified version of your website or app structure, devoid of visual design or content. This allows for the evaluation of how well your information architecture aligns with user expectations. Typically conducted after card sorting, tree testing serves to validate card sorting results and refine information architecture. Some software used for tree testing includes UXtweak, Optimal Workshop's Treejack, UserZoom, and PlaybookUX. These tools offer features for conducting tree tests, analyzing results, and generating detailed reports to share with teams or clients. They also provide options for remote testing, allowing for efficient evaluation of AI.

Software used for tree testing includes UXtweak, Optimal Workshop's Treejack, UserZoom, and PlaybookUX. These tools offer features for conducting tree tests, analyzing results, and generating detailed reports to share with teams or clients. They also provide options for remote testing, allowing for efficient evaluation of AI.

When conducting tree testing, opt in for online platforms - this makes the evaluation much easier and will provide you with statistics you can then use for benchmarking or comparing variants (this is not feasible with conducting tree testing offline). The best online tree testing tools are: 1. UXtweak - on Capterra, it scores 4.7 for ease of use, 4.8 for value for money, and 5/5 for customer service. 2. Optimal Workshop - according to Capterra 4.5/5 for ease of use, 4.3/5 for value for money, and 5/5 for customer service. 3. Maze - 4.3/5 for ease of use, 4.1/5 for value for money, and 3.9/5 for customer service.

Utilizing tree testing to benchmark information architecture performance and iteratively refine it based on identified issues can drive improvements, with subsequent data analysis helping to identify usability problems and patterns. By following these practices, you can conduct efficient tree testing sessions to enhance the user experience of your website or app. Monitoring users' initial clicks during tasks can provide valuable information about their preferred categories or options. Including post-study questions can further enhance understanding of participants' experiences, while experimenting with multiple trees using different labels or word choices for the same category can provide valuable comparative insights.