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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration of a branching category tree with a highlighted search path and possible dead ends.
UX Research
Tree Testing
Paper illustration for Knowledge Mapping.
Knowledge Modeling
Knowledge Mapping
Paper illustration showing three sorted card stacks and an open question about a possible group.
UX Research
Card Sorting
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 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.Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-2 h1-2 Tage1-3 h20-45 min
Participantsdifferent
1-8Based on research question3-12Based on research question
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsFindability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IAKnowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer PlanContent groups, Label set, IA hypotheses
Tagsno overlap
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
Information architectureNavigationFindability
KnowledgeMappingRisk
Information architectureNavigationStructure
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