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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
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Paper illustration of a participant using a prototype while an observer takes notes beside a highlighted usability issue.
UX Research
Usability Testing
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
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 lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing.When a product is built but people get stuck on tasks, usability testing shows the friction at concrete points. Observed use instead of self-report makes visible where orientation, understanding, or interaction breaks down.When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage30–60 min1-2 h je Session45–90 min
Participantsdifferent
Based on research question4-8Based on research question3-10
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IAEmpathy Map, Assumptions List, Research GapsUsability Issues, Severity List, RecommendationsTheme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas
Tagsno overlap
Information architectureNavigationFindability
SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop
ValidationUXPrototype
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
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