Types of tree testing tasks

The tasks you set in a tree testing session are key to gathering useful insights. Here are some common types of tasks:

• Warmup task: Begin with an easy task to get users comfortable with the test. This also helps screen out participants who aren't paying attention. If they fail this simple task, they might not be fully engaged.
• Resource-finding tasks: Ask users to locate important items like products, services, or crucial information, such as finding the return policy or contact details.
• Sleight-of-hand tasks: Have users find less important items to test how well they can navigate parent categories.
• Potential problem areas: Focus on new or disputed categories from card-sorting studies to identify where users might struggle. This helps highlight problematic areas in your navigation.
• Label or location comparisons: Test different names or locations for the same category to see which is more intuitive. For example, compare "Support" versus "Help Center" to see which is easier for users to find.

For each task, specify the correct answer within the tree. This helps testing tools automatically calculate success rates, showing where users navigate well and where they get lost.