Information Architecture Redesign
Revamping the settings menu to align with users' mental models.
UX RESEARCH
TREE TESTING
PROTOTYPING
UI DESIGN
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
Challenge
Address current issues with settings usability, including poor discoverability, difficulty finding options, and buried features. Simplify access points and enhance overall user experience.
Solution
Using UX research insights, I created a user-centric redesign that enhanced usability by simplifying menus, refining access points, and ensuring seamless navigation.
MY OBJECTIVE
Restructure the information architecture for a more intuitive, user-friendly experience, making content easier to find and navigate.
The Process
We opted for remote, unmoderated interviews through UserTesting.com to eliminate product familiarity bias. External participants were recruited, and unmoderated tests ensured fast feedback.
The information architecture redesign included these key steps:
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A detailed screener survey was utilized to ensure that the right relevant participants would be selected for the study.
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I conducted a tee test to evaluate the existing navigation structure and gather feedback. Users were asked additional questions to gain deeper insights into their experience and preferences.
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Based on the feedback received, adjustments were made to the IA, which will then later be tested again.
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A 2nd round of tree testing was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the changes. Additional modifications were made to refine the IA based on the new gained insights.
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A prototype was developed based on the new structure. The prototype was tested to assess its usability and gather feedback.
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Finally, a last round of changes was made to the navigation structure, and the prototype was updated.
Tree Testing
Tree testing proved to be a successful method for evaluating the usability of category titles and menu items in the navigation structure.
Participants were given scenarios and asked to find certain menu items while sharing their thoughts. We did this testing on UserTesting.com, picking relevant users using a screener.
Outcome
The testing offered insights into user behavior, pointing out areas for navigation improvement. Tree testing succeeded in revealing behavior, identifying issues, and enhancing findability.
Evaluation
I conducted a thorough analysis of key metrics, including success rate, directness, completion time, and user navigation within a task performance summary. These findings exposed various issues and insights regarding findability, therefore informing improvements in navigation.
To really capture the nuances of the user experience, I developed a comprehensive spreadsheet to document session observations, highlight pain points, and gather innovative ideas from recorded sessions. This not only facilitated a clear overview of the results but also streamlined the process of drawing actionable conclusions.
The spreadsheet with observation notes from the testing sessions (right) and the task performance summary evaluation (left).
Example:
Finding Travel Policies
33% Directness
4/13 Success Rate
01:32 Avg Time to complete Task
Prototype Test
The Figma prototype mirrored the realistic settings structure, integrating tree test changes. Users navigated settings, offering feedback by answering questions.
Purpose
The prototype aimed to assess the impact of adding visual context on menu item findability and navigation. Goals encompassed user navigation between personal and admin settings and enhancing findability per prior feedback.
Key Takeaways
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Establishing clear objectives and goals for user testing is crucial, specifying what needs to be evaluated or validated through feedback.
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Pilot testing helps identify potential issues and validate the research design. Remember that you are not the user.
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Prototype testing is an iterative process that benefits from multiple rounds of testing. Incorporate feedback from each iteration to refine the prototype and enhance the user experience.