You’re redesigning navigation
You need evidence that the proposed structure supports real user tasks.
Tree Testing Sprint
Validate your navigation structure before investing in redesigns by testing whether people can successfully find information.
Fixed Price
£2,995 + VATor PAYG
Designed for
- One navigation structure
- Existing or proposed IA
- Tree testing with users
- Key user tasks
- Two-week engagement
Need something different? Larger or more complex projects are usually better suited to a bespoke engagement.
How do I know if my project is the right fit? ↓What a tree testing sprint actually is
The best navigation is the one users never notice because everything is exactly where they expect it to be.
Tree Testing validates whether people can successfully find information within an existing or proposed navigation structure.
Rather than evaluating visual design, the engagement focuses entirely on information architecture, helping identify where labels, hierarchy or organisation prevent people from finding what they need.
You’ll leave with evidence showing where navigation works, where it doesn’t and what should change before launch.
Common problems
Users can’t find important content
People struggle to locate information even when it exists in the product.
Labels create confusion
Navigation labels do not match the language or expectations of users.
You need evidence before launch
Validate the information architecture before investing further in design or development.
Why work with me
Navigation should be validated, not assumed.
Internal teams already know where everything lives. Your users are seeing it for the first time.
Tree Testing removes assumptions by measuring whether people can actually find information, allowing navigation decisions to be based on evidence rather than opinion.
You’ll leave with confidence that your information architecture supports the way people naturally search.
Is this right for you?
- 01
You’re redesigning navigation
Validate the structure before committing to design or development.
- 02
You’re restructuring content
Understand whether people can still find what matters after changes are made.
- 03
You’re launching a new website
Test the information architecture before users depend on it.
- 04
You want evidence before development
Use task-based evidence to support navigation decisions.
What you’ll receive
Kick-off session
A focused discussion to confirm objectives, navigation structure and key user tasks.
Tree testing plan
A practical test plan covering tasks, success criteria and participant approach.
Moderated or unmoderated testing
Tree testing designed to measure whether users can find information successfully.
Tree testing analysis
Clear findings showing where users succeed, hesitate, backtrack or fail.
Playback session
A collaborative walkthrough of findings and recommended IA improvements.
Written summary
A concise document capturing results, evidence and practical recommendations.
What’s not included
- Participant recruitment
- Participant incentives
- Card sorting research
- Visual design testing
- Implementation support
Example deliverables
01
Tree Testing report
A structured summary of the test approach, results and recommendations.
02
Task success analysis
Evidence showing where people succeeded, failed or struggled to find information.
03
Information architecture recommendations
Practical improvements to labels, hierarchy and information organisation.
04
Prioritised action plan
Next steps ready for IA, content or redesign planning.
Typical timeline
Week 1
Planning and testing
Kick-off, tree testing plan and test setup or sessions.
Week 2
Analysis and recommendations
Results analysis, playback and recommended navigation improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of websites is this designed for?
Every Tree Testing Sprint validates the navigation of one website or digital product. Typical examples include: • Large content websites. • Ecommerce navigation. • SaaS products. • Public sector websites. • Knowledge bases. Larger or more complex projects are usually better suited to a bespoke engagement.
What’s the difference between Tree Testing and Card Sorting?
Tree Testing validates whether users can find information within an existing structure. Card Sorting helps design that structure in the first place.
Do I need a finished design?
No. Tree Testing intentionally removes visual design so the navigation structure can be evaluated independently.
What happens after testing?
You’ll receive clear evidence showing where people succeed, where they struggle and which parts of the navigation should be improved before launch.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Manchester, UK and work with organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally. Most projects are delivered remotely, although I’m happy to travel for workshops, stakeholder sessions and key project milestones where required.
Do you work remotely?
Yes. Most projects are delivered remotely using Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Zoom. Working remotely allows me to support organisations across the UK and internationally while remaining flexible and cost-effective.
Will I work directly with you?
Yes. Every project is delivered by me. If additional specialist support is ever needed, I’ll discuss it with you first, but you’ll always work directly with me throughout the project.
Can you work alongside our existing team?
Absolutely. Many clients already have designers, researchers, developers or product managers in place. I can provide additional capacity, independent advice or senior support without disrupting the way your team already works.
Do you only work with large organisations?
No. I’ve worked with startups, SMEs, agencies, charities, public sector organisations and global enterprises. Every engagement is tailored to the size, complexity and goals of the organisation.
What if my project doesn’t fit one of your fixed engagements?
The fixed engagements are designed around the most common types of engagement. If your project requires something different, I’ll create a bespoke proposal based on your goals, timescales and scope.
How quickly can you start?
Availability varies throughout the year, but many fixed engagements can begin within one to two weeks. If you have an urgent requirement, let me know and I’ll always do my best to accommodate it.
Do you sign NDAs and work with confidential information?
Yes. Much of my work has involved commercially sensitive products, government services and confidential research. I’m happy to sign NDAs and regularly work with organisations where confidentiality is essential.
Related thinking
Related glossary
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Previous feedback
I had a fantastic experience working with Andy. One of his most impressive achievements during our time at NHS HEE was masterminding a deeply complex information architecture for a new platform that brought together a large number of legacy websites.
Will Parkhouse
Senior Content Designer
If you want evidence that people can actually find what they’re looking for, let’s discuss whether a Tree Testing Sprint is the right place to start.