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| Criterion |  UX Research Card Sorting |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  UX Research Tree Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 5-15 | Based on research question |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationStructure | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Information architectureNavigationFindability |
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