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Criterion
Paper illustration of a branching category tree with a highlighted search path and possible dead ends.
UX Research
Tree Testing
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration showing three sorted card stacks and an open question about a possible group.
UX Research
Card Sorting
Purposedifferent
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.arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes.An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable.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
MediumLowLowLow
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage1-2 Tage15-45 min20-45 min
Participantsdifferent
Based on research question1-41-3Based on research question
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IAArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewADR File, Decision Log, RationaleContent groups, Label set, IA hypotheses
Tagsno overlap
Information architectureNavigationFindability
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
Information architectureNavigationStructure
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