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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  UX Research Card Sorting |  UX Research Tree Testing |  UX Research First-click Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | 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. | When users immediately turn the wrong way on a screen or wireframe, first click testing checks initial orientation at high speed. The first click shows early whether expectation, labeling, and wayfinding fit together. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 20-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | Based on research question | Based on research question | 10-30 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Click Heatmap, Success Rate, Design Recommendations |
Tagsno overlap | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | Information architectureNavigationStructure | Information architectureNavigationFindability | UXNavigationFindabilityValidation |