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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 of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
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.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
MediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage1-3 h20-45 min
Participantsdifferent
Based on research question2-8Based on research question
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IAIssue Map, Positions, Argument NotesContent groups, Label set, IA hypotheses
Tagsno overlap
Information architectureNavigationFindability
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
Information architectureNavigationStructure
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
First-click Testing method illustration showing its working structure
UX Research
First-click Testing
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing