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Reference table

Top tasks vs card sorting, tree testing, Kano and MaxDiff

Table comparing top tasks, card sorting, tree testing, the Kano model and MaxDiff by the question each answers and what each is best for.
Top tasks finds what matters. The others help you organise, find and rank it.

A comparison of top tasks analysis with four nearby research methods: card sorting, tree testing, the Kano model and MaxDiff. For each it gives the question the method answers and what it is best used for, from strategic prioritisation to information architecture and forced ranking. Use it to pick the right method, or to plan a sequence such as top tasks first, then tree testing on the navigation.

Where this appears

What's in this reference table

MethodQuestion it answersBest for
Top tasksWhich tasks attract most demand?Strategic prioritisation
Card sortingHow do users group tasks?Information architecture
Tree testingCan users find the task in this nav?IA validation
Kano modelWhich features delight vs satisfy?Feature prioritisation
MaxDiffForced trade-offs across many itemsForced ranking

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<a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/top-tasks-vs-card-sorting-tree-testing-kano-maxdiff"><img src="https://www.koji.so/visuals/top-tasks-vs-card-sorting-tree-testing-kano-maxdiff/top-tasks-vs-card-sorting-tree-testing-kano-maxdiff.png" alt="Table comparing top tasks, card sorting, tree testing, the Kano model and MaxDiff by the question each answers and what each is best for." width="1200" height="698" /></a>
<p>Source: <a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/top-tasks-vs-card-sorting-tree-testing-kano-maxdiff">Top tasks vs card sorting, tree testing, Kano and MaxDiff</a>, Koji</p>