What are the disadvantages of using user testing for information architecture evaluation?

1 Time and cost

User testing can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you want to test with a large and diverse sample of users. You need to recruit, screen, and schedule participants, prepare and conduct the tests, and analyze and report the results. Depending on the complexity and scope of your system, user testing can take weeks or months to complete. To reduce the time and cost of user testing, you can use online tools and platforms that allow you to conduct remote and unmoderated tests, or you can use lean and agile methods that involve testing early and often with small batches of users.

2 Bias and validity

User testing can be affected by various forms of bias and validity issues that can compromise the quality and reliability of your data. For example, you may encounter selection bias, where the participants are not representative of your target audience; testing bias, where the participants behave differently because they know they are being tested; moderator bias, where the facilitator influences the participants' responses or interpretations; or confirmation bias, where you only focus on the data that supports your assumptions or expectations. To avoid or minimize bias and validity issues, you can use random and stratified sampling, clear and consistent testing protocols, neutral and objective moderators, and multiple sources and methods of data collection and analysis.

5 Ethics and consent

User testing can raise ethical and legal issues, especially if you deal with sensitive or personal data, or if you test with vulnerable or protected groups of users. You need to ensure that you respect the rights and privacy of the participants, and that you obtain their informed and voluntary consent before, during, and after the testing. You also need to comply with the relevant laws and regulations that govern the collection, storage, and use of user data, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. To adhere to the ethical and legal standards of user testing, you can use best practices and guidelines, such as the ones provided by the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) or the Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR).

6 Evolution and maintenance

User testing can be outdated and irrelevant, especially if your system evolves and changes over time, or if your users' needs and expectations shift due to external factors. You need to keep your IA up to date and aligned with the current and future goals and behaviors of your users, and that may require continuous or periodic user testing and evaluation. You also need to maintain and document your IA, so that you can track and measure the impact and effectiveness of your changes, and that may require additional tools and resources. To ensure the evolution and maintenance of your IA, you can use iterative and incremental development, user feedback and analytics, and IA documentation and governance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?