Tree Testing
- Philip Burgess
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader
Understanding how users navigate complex information is a challenge for many designers and researchers. One effective method to evaluate this is the Tree Test. This technique helps uncover how easily people find information within a website or app’s structure. If you want to improve your site’s navigation or organize content more clearly, a Tree Test offers valuable insights.
What Is a Tree Test?
A Tree Test is a usability method that evaluates the hierarchy and labeling of a website or app’s content. Unlike traditional usability tests that focus on the interface design, Tree Tests isolate the structure by removing visual elements like colors, images, or buttons. Participants see only a text-based outline of the site’s categories and subcategories.
The goal is to find out if users can locate specific items or information by navigating this simplified tree. For example, if you ask someone to find “return policy,” the test shows whether they can pick the right category and subcategory without confusion.
Why Use a Tree Test?
Many websites grow over time, adding pages and sections without clear organization. This can frustrate users who struggle to find what they need. A Tree Test helps by:
Identifying confusing or unclear category names
Revealing where users get lost or give up
Showing if important content is buried too deep
Helping prioritize restructuring efforts
By testing the navigation structure early, you save time and money on redesigns. It also improves user satisfaction and reduces bounce rates.
How to Conduct a Tree Test
Running a Tree Test involves a few key steps:
Create the Tree
Extract the site’s navigation structure, including main categories and subcategories. Present this as a simple text list or outline.
Define Tasks
Write clear tasks for participants, such as “Find where you would look for shipping information.” Tasks should reflect real user goals.
Recruit Participants
Choose people who represent your typical users. Even 15-20 participants can provide useful data.
Run the Test
Participants navigate the tree to complete each task. They select categories step-by-step until they find the best match.
Analyze Results
Look for patterns in where users succeed or fail. Pay attention to common wrong choices or hesitation points.
Examples of Tree Test Insights
Imagine an online bookstore with categories like “Fiction,” “Non-Fiction,” “Children’s Books,” and “Special Offers.” A Tree Test might reveal:
Users expect “Bestsellers” under “Special Offers,” but it’s actually under “Fiction.” This mismatch causes confusion.
“Children’s Books” is buried under “Non-Fiction,” making it hard to find.
The label “Special Offers” is vague; users don’t realize it includes discounted books.
These insights guide renaming categories, moving sections, or adding clearer labels.
Best Practices for Tree Testing
To get the most from your Tree Test, keep these tips in mind:
Use real user language for category names. Avoid jargon or internal terms.
Keep the tree simple and consistent. Too many levels or inconsistent naming confuses users.
Test one version at a time. If you want to compare structures, run separate tests.
Include open-ended feedback to understand why users made certain choices.
Combine Tree Testing with other usability methods for a full picture.
When to Use a Tree Test
Tree Tests work best in these situations:
Before designing or redesigning a website’s navigation
When adding new content categories or sections
To validate assumptions about how users group information
After noticing users struggle to find content in analytics or support queries
They are less useful for testing visual design, interaction, or content quality.
Tools for Tree Testing
Several online tools make running Tree Tests easier. Some popular options include:
Optimal Workshop’s Treejack: Offers task creation, participant recruitment, and detailed reports.
UsabilityHub: Provides simple tree testing with quick turnaround.
UserZoom: Combines tree testing with other UX research methods.
Many tools allow remote testing, which broadens your participant pool and speeds up results.
Improving Your Site with Tree Test Results
Once you gather data, use it to:
Rename confusing categories to match user expectations
Rearrange sections to reduce clicks and improve findability
Remove redundant or overlapping categories
Add helpful labels or descriptions where needed
Iterate on your structure and retest to confirm improvements. Over time, this leads to a clearer, user-friendly navigation system.
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