Validating and Improving Navigation with Tree Testing

June 27, 2024

Tree testing is a research method that allows you to understand how people navigate and discover information. It sounds simple, but you can learn a lot by presenting a text-only version of the hierarchy of a website and asking people where they expect to find a piece of content.  

Tree testing includes plugging in existing information architecture to make iterative improvements to a live experience, and even answering critical questions before creating a prototype:  

• Do the naming conventions make sense?  
• Is content grouped logically?  
• Can people quickly find what they need? If not, what is blocking them?  
• What are the most common paths taken to complete critical tasks?  

HQR team members Senior UX Researcher Mike Eng shared an overview of tree testing and case study, and Lead User Researcher Ian Lowrie provided insight into HQR's research process. Content Strategist Stephanie Warren joined Mike and Ian for panel discussion facilitated by Senior Design Strategist Chelsea Hunt.

Session Panelists

Mike Eng  – Senior UX Researcher, HQR

Ian Lowrie  – Lead User Researcher, HQR

Stephanie Warren  – Content Strategist, HQR