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| Criterion |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Engineering Golden Path |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  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. | When teams need a reliable default path for frequent use, sprawl quickly emerges without any guiding logic. Golden Path bundles the preferred path so good practice becomes easy and deviation becomes deliberate. | 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 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 | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 1-3 Tage Setup, laufend | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 2-8 | 1-3 | 10-30 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Golden Path Guide, Templates, Quality Checks | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Click Heatmap, Success Rate, Design Recommendations |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationFindability | EngineeringProductivityGovernance | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | UXNavigationFindabilityValidation |