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| Criterion |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Innovation Lean Startup |  Innovation Design Sprint |  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. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | When the product question is unclear and time pressure is high, the method takes a team from an open idea to a testable solution. It connects problem understanding, decision, and learning in one compact format, lowering the risk of spending a lot of energy on a mere guess. | 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 | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 4-5 Tage | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 2-8 | 5-8 | Based on research question |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Prototype, Test Findings, Decision Rationale | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationFindability | LeanStartupValidationMVP | Design sprintPrototypeValidationInnovation | Information architectureNavigationStructure |