View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  UX Research Card Sorting |  UX Research Tree Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 20-45 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | Based on research question | Based on research question |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | Information architectureNavigationStructure | Information architectureNavigationFindability |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
