View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  UX Research Card Sorting |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | Based on research question | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationStructure | Information architectureNavigationFindability | RationaleKnowledgeDecision |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
