University website tree test template

Higher-ed sites serve multiple audiences with one global nav. Tree testing forces you to pick which tasks must succeed for the homepage IA to be considered working.

Run separate cohorts if possible: applicants vs enrolled students. Combined scores hide structural bias toward one audience.

If applicants consistently fail tuition tasks but succeed on course search, your IA may be optimised for recruitment at the expense of conversion support.

Study preview

Hierarchy

  • University home
    • Study
      • Find a course
      • Apply now
      • Fees & funding
    • Students
      • Student portal
      • Timetable
      • Library
    • Campus life
      • Accommodation
      • Events
    • Research

Tasks (3)

  1. Where would an applicant find tuition fees?
  2. Where would a current student open their timetable?
  3. Where would you start a course application?