Creating an Effective Tree Test Research Plan Template for Information Architecture Validation

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

Validating information architecture (IA) is crucial to ensure users can navigate a website or app intuitively. One of the most reliable methods for this validation is tree testing. However, without a clear research plan, tree testing can become inefficient and yield unclear results. This post explains how to create a practical tree test research plan template that guides you through IA validation with confidence.

Tree structure diagram on screen

What Is Tree Testing and Why It Matters

Tree testing is a usability technique that evaluates how well users can find information within a hierarchical structure. It strips away design elements and focuses on the organization of content, helping identify confusing labels, misplaced categories, or missing links.

Without proper validation, IA can lead to frustrated users who struggle to locate what they need. Tree testing provides direct feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of your content structure before investing in full design or development.

Key Components of a Tree Test Research Plan

A research plan acts as a roadmap for your tree test. It outlines objectives, participant criteria, tasks, and analysis methods. Here are the essential components to include:

1. Define Clear Objectives

Start by specifying what you want to learn from the tree test. Objectives might include:

• Confirming users can find key content easily

• Identifying confusing category labels

• Testing new IA structures against existing ones

  
  

Clear goals keep the test focused and help interpret results meaningfully.

2. Select the Right Participants

Choose participants who represent your target users. Consider demographics, experience level, and familiarity with the subject matter. For example, if testing an e-commerce site, recruit shoppers with varying levels of online experience.

Aim for 15 to 30 participants to balance diversity and manageability. Too few may miss issues, too many can be costly and time-consuming.

3. Prepare Realistic Tasks

Tasks should simulate typical user goals, such as "Find where to change your account password" or "Locate information about product returns." Avoid vague or overly broad tasks.

Each task should:

• Be clear and concise

• Focus on a single goal

• Reflect actual user needs

  
  

This approach ensures the test measures navigation effectiveness, not task comprehension.

4. Design the Tree Structure

Present the IA as a simple text-based hierarchy without visual distractions. The tree should reflect the current or proposed structure you want to validate.

Keep the tree manageable in size. If it’s too large, break it into sections or test the most critical parts separately.

5. Choose Metrics and Success Criteria

Decide how you will measure success. Common metrics include:

• Task completion rate

• Time taken to complete tasks

• Path efficiency (number of clicks)

• Error types (wrong selections, backtracking)

  
  

Set benchmarks based on previous tests or industry standards to evaluate results objectively.

6. Plan Data Collection and Analysis

Determine how you will collect data (e.g., software tools, screen recordings) and analyze it. Look for patterns in navigation paths, frequent errors, and participant feedback.

Summarize findings with charts or tables to highlight problem areas and strengths.

Example of a Tree Test Research Plan Template

| Section | Details |

|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| Objective | Validate if users can find account settings and support information easily |

| Participants | 20 users aged 25-45, mixed tech experience, familiar with online shopping |

| Tasks | 1. Find how to update your email address<br>2. Locate the FAQ section |

| Tree Structure | Text-based hierarchy of account and support categories |

| Metrics | Task success rate, average time per task, common navigation paths |

| Data Collection | Online tree testing tool with click tracking and session recording |

| Analysis Method | Quantitative analysis of success rates and qualitative review of navigation errors |

This template can be adapted to different projects by changing objectives, participant profiles, and tasks.

Printed research plan template with notes

Tips for Running a Successful Tree Test

• Pilot your test with a few users to catch confusing instructions or technical issues.

• Keep tasks simple and avoid overwhelming participants with too many at once.

• Encourage honest feedback after each task to understand user thought processes.

• Use a reliable tool that records clicks and paths clearly for accurate analysis.

• Iterate based on findings by refining the IA and retesting to track improvements.

  
  

Using Tree Test Results to Improve IA

Once you have data, focus on areas where users struggled. For example, if many users fail to find "Shipping Information," consider renaming the category or moving it higher in the hierarchy.

Look for patterns such as:

• Categories that cause frequent wrong clicks

• Tasks with low completion rates

• Paths that are longer than expected

  
  

Use these insights to simplify navigation, clarify labels, and reorganize content logically.

Final Thoughts on Building Your Tree Test Research Plan