Tree testing and page testing are methods proposed in this presentation to rapidly get to a great information architecture. Card sorting is a great starting point for an IA, but Sam from Optimal Workshop argues that it needs to be part of a greater set of tools and methods. In this presentation to the OZ IA (Australia Information Architects) conference in September 2008, Sam presents some case studies on how tree testing done online (testing the structure and labels of an IA with end users) and page testing (testing individual page mockups) can not only accelerate the design process but provide a higher quality output.

1. Testing your way
to a great
i n f o r m a t i o n
architecture
another
Why you should try tree and page testing

2. enable people to
produce better
designs by making it
easier to interact
with end users

3. rock and a hard
p l a c e
acceleration
m i s s i o n
impossible
accelerate

4. Accelerate
f a i l u r e
accelerate

5. Design information architecture Release
Design Test Design Test Design Test Release
time

6. Card sorting
generative open
closed
Tree and page
evaluative
testing

8. tree of items
(sitemap)
representative
tasks
find the right
destination

11. Yes, I’d find it here
No, I’d back up and
look elsewhere
I give up

14. Should I buy a Canon camera? Are they the best?
I want to find the best broadband plan for my needs
I'm looking to buy a cordless drill. Which one is best?
Is a heat pump right for me, and which brand should I
buy? Glucosamine supplements - should I take them?
How do I choose a good nursing home for my
mother? Which electricity company is going to be
cheapest for me? Health insurance - do I need it,
and what policies are best? I need a new mobile
phone - which one should I buy? W h i c h
supermarket is cheapest? Are there any good
white wines under $15? LCD or Plasma TVs -
which one should I buy? Which highchair is best
for my child?

19. 79% success
Appliances
Home entertainment
Health & beauty
specific is good
evil attractors
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members vs not

20. Generate IA
Test the IA
Design pages
Test page
layout
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21. 21

22. 22

23. 23

24. Help us accelerate
failure.
www.optimalworkshop.com
sam@optimalworkshop.com
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