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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
Paper illustration for Contradiction Analysis.
Innovation
Contradiction Analysis
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
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.When a system should improve while another measure suffers as a result, the method makes the underlying conflict precisely formulable. It separates the desired effect from its side effect. This makes solutions possible that address the contradiction deliberately instead of half-heartedly.For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together.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 Tage60-120 min45-90 min20-45 min
Participantsdifferent
Based on research question2-82-5Based on research question
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IAContradiction Statement, Abstraction Notes, Solution Principles, Concept IdeasA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisContent groups, Label set, IA hypotheses
Tagsno overlap
Information architectureNavigationFindability
ContradictionsInnovationProblem solving
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
Information architectureNavigationStructure
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