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| Criterion |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Decision Making Assumption Surfacing |  UX Research Card Sorting |  UX Research First-click Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it. | 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 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 | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 45-90 min | 20-45 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 2-8 | Based on research question | 10-30 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Assumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning Plan | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Click Heatmap, Success Rate, Design Recommendations |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationFindability | AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery | Information architectureNavigationStructure | UXNavigationFindabilityValidation |