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How-to: Tree Testing with Lookback

Conducting Moderated or Unmoderated Tree Tests

Russ Troester avatar
Written by Russ Troester
Updated over a year ago

We recommend using Lookback in conjunction with a tool that enables “deep-nesting” for building text-based content hierarchy.

There are a few ways to build your content: Online word processors that allow nesting and interaction between headings that expand out to display sub-content, or make a clickable prototype in your favorite design tool. 

Here is a static text example:

  • Heading

    • Sub-topic

      • Content

      • Content

We've seen researchers use Dropbox Paper, Notion and WorkFlowy to create headings and sub-content. 

Once you have the hierarchy to be tested, create a Project in Lookback and link to the URL that contains the nest.

Decide whether you conduct your research as a moderated or unmoderated session. Be sure to ask your Participants to talk through their thoughts as they complete the test. Observing touch or clicks and their facial expressions won’t provide as much insight as them “thinking out loud.” It’s capturing the what and why here, gang! 

Moderated (Remote LiveShare): Speak to your participant face-to-face (remotely or in-person) about what you would like them to find or complete

Unmoderated (SelfTest or Tasks): Provide written instructions for the items you would like them to find or complete

Example scenarios

  • If you needed to contact our support team, where would you start?

  • On which page would you find our Services Agreement?

  • If you’d like to apply for a position on our team at our HQ, where might you look?

  • If you were to look for case studies of our services offering, which navigation section you expect those to be under?

Evaluating Your Results 

  • Could your participant find the items you asked easily and directly?

  • Was it obvious to them where those items were located?

  • Did they have to go back to previous pages to find those items?

  • Were the header topics easy for them to understand?

  • If the participant couldn’t complete the tasks, what was confusing to them?

Check out our blog post for more visuals. We're always happy to help!
Questions? Please contact team@lookback.io.

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