Why Tree Testing is Essential for UX Design
When users navigate a website, they expect to find information quickly and effortlessly. If they struggle to locate key content, poor information architecture (IA) might be to blame. This is where tree testing comes in.
Tree testing is a user research method used to evaluate the effectiveness of a tree structure, ensuring that users can easily find what they’re looking for. By testing and refining a site’s hierarchy and navigation, UX designers can create a seamless browsing experience that increases engagement and conversions.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What tree testing is and how it works
- The benefits of tree testing for UX and information architecture
- How to conduct a tree test effectively
- Best tools for tree testing
- Analyzing results to improve website navigation
By the end, you’ll know how to leverage tree testing to optimize your site’s navigation and enhance the user experience.
What is Tree Testing?
Tree testing is a usability research method that evaluates how well users understand a website’s hierarchical structure. It helps identify whether a site’s categories, labels, and organization make sense to users.
How Tree Testing Works
Tree testing involves removing visual design elements (such as menus, layouts, and graphics) and testing only the hierarchical structure of a site’s content. Users are given tasks to complete, like finding a specific piece of information, and their interactions help determine whether the tree structure is effective.
Example: Imagine you run an e-commerce website, and users are struggling to find “Wireless Headphones.” With tree testing, you can evaluate whether your product categories (e.g., “Electronics > Audio > Headphones”) align with user expectations.
Tree testing is often used in combination with customer journey maps—while card sorting helps define the structure, tree testing helps validate it.
Why Tree Testing is Crucial for UX and Information Architecture
- Improves Website Navigation – Ensures a logical, user-friendly site hierarchy.
- Reduces Bounce Rates – If users find information faster, they’re more likely to stay engaged.
- Enhances Conversion Rates – A well-structured navigation path makes it easier for users to complete actions.
- Informs Content Strategy – Helps businesses organize information based on user behavior.
Example: Amazon’s category structure is a prime example of tree testing success. Their precisely structured product hierarchy ensures that users can find products effortlessly.
How to Conduct a Tree Test in 5 Steps
1. Define the Objective
Start by identifying what you want to achieve:
- Is your navigation clear?
- Are users finding content in expected locations?
- Do your categories and labels make sense?
Tip: Frame tasks based on real user actions, like “Where would you go to find ‘Customer Support’?”
2. Create a Tree Structure
Your tree structure should be a simplified representation of your website’s navigation.
- Break content into clear, logical categories.
- Use hierarchical levels to define relationships between sections.
- Avoid unnecessary complexity—keep structures intuitive.
Example:
An online banking app might structure its content as:
🏦 Banking Services → 💳 Accounts → 💰 Savings → 📄 Transactions
3. Select the Right Tree Testing Tool
There are several great tools for UX/UI design to conduct tree tests efficiently:
- Optimal Workshop (Treejack) – One of the most widely used platforms for tree testing.
- UsabilityHub – Offers remote user testing with detailed analytics.
- UXtweak – Includes both tree testing and card sorting.
- Maze – Ideal for UX teams looking for rapid insights.
Tip: Most tools allow you to define tasks, invite participants, and track user interactions automatically.
4. Run the Tree Test with Participants
- Recruit a diverse set of users that represent your audience.
- Assign realistic tasks like “Find the Returns Policy” or “Locate the latest blog post.”
- Collect quantitative and qualitative data on user behavior.
Key Metrics to Measure:
- Success Rate – How many users completed the task successfully?
- Time on Task – How long did users take to find the information?
- First Click Accuracy – Did users navigate correctly on their first attempt?
5. Analyze Results & Optimize the Tree Structure
Once you’ve gathered data, identify patterns and usability issues.
- If users struggle to find content, reconsider category naming.
- If paths are too deep, simplify the tree structure.
- If high drop-off rates occur, test alternative hierarchies.
Example: A high success rate (above 80%) indicates an effective structure, while low success rates signal a need for improvement.
Best Practices for Effective Tree Testing
- Test Before Designing – Conduct tree testing early to avoid major navigation issues later.
- Keep Structures Simple – Overly complex categories confuse users.
- Combine with Card Sorting – Use card sorting first to define structure, then tree testing to validate it.
- Run Iterative Tests – Refine the structure based on real data before final implementation.
To avoid major website design mistakes, conduct tests early.
Consider the principles of user experience design to create intuitive structures.
Thinking about using a design agency? Be sure to test your structures.
