While the vast majority of tree testing is done online using dedicated tree-testing software, we can also test on paper (the original medium) or by using quick-and-dirty (and free) methods.
As tree testing has matured as a recognized IA technique, online tools have sprung up to meet demand. All of these tools offer advantages over doing a tree test manually, such as:
Here's a list of the commercials tools we know of (listed alphabetically), with some basic information on each:
Product | Owner | Starting at... | Summary |
---|---|---|---|
Steffen Schilb | Introduced in 2008, discontinued in 2014. | ||
Treejack | Optimal Workshop | $249/month or $139/study | Introduced in 2008 as a companion to the OptimalSort card-sorting tool. |
Userlytics tree-testing | Userlytics | $49/participant | A recent entrant in tree-testing tools. |
UserZoom tree-testing | UserZoom | $19,000/year | Aimed at larger enterprises, the UserZoom suite of tools includes tree testing. |
UXArmy tree testing | UXArmy | $99/month | The latest entrant in tree-testing tools. |
Disclaimer: While most of our experience is with Treejack, this guide does not recommend a particular product, because the right product will depend on factors such as budget, compatibility with other tools you're already using, and the specific features needed. |
For pointers on running a tree test using index cards (the original method), seeĀ Tree testing on paper in Chapter 15.
Besides paper, designers have come up with several other "home-grown" ways to test site structures. Most of these involve building an expandable tree in some existing tool, then manually tracking participants' clicks through that tree. Some examples include:
Next: Where will we test?