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| Criterion |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 1-2 h | 1-3 h | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 1-8 | 2-8 | Based on research question |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationFindability | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | Information architectureNavigationStructure |