Improve your website’s navigation with tree testing: When and how to do tree tests

Tree testing is a usability technique focused on evaluating the clarity and findability of a website's navigation structure by presenting users with a simplified version of the site's hierarchy, devoid of design elements or content. Participants are given tasks to locate information within this structure, offering insights into user behavior, potential confusion, and inefficiencies. This method is particularly valuable in the early stages of website design, allowing for the identification and resolution of navigation issues before full-scale development. Tree testing is often used following card sorting, another usability technique that helps understand how users naturally categorize information. Unlike card sorting, which aids in the creation of new site layouts based on user input, tree testing assesses the usability of an existing structure. It is versatile, applicable in scenarios such as launching new products, redesigning websites, and optimizing existing structures, ensuring the navigation is intuitive and meets user expectations.