Taxonomy Research

Over the last decade of conducting website intercept research, we found that the #1 reason for task failure is that site visitors were unable to find what they were looking for. In our efforts to better understand the “why” behind poor “findability,” we found that the site’s taxonomy is a primary influence. 

Whether you start from scratch or are seeking to optimize an existing taxonomy, it is critical to understand how visitors will locate information on your site. Our user-driven research approach will help you improve the “findability” of information on your site and provide a more successful visitor experience.

Our Approach

Usability Sciences believes a multiphase research approach is best for arriving at a recommended taxonomy. After collecting your objectives, Usability Sciences will create a customized research solution that takes advantage of the following research activities and ensures a high quality, cost-effective outcome.

• Card Sorting is an effective method for finding out how people think your content should be organized, and is typically used when the goal is to create a new taxonomy.
• Tree Testing is an effective method for evaluating the findability, labeling and organization of an existing taxonomy or newly proposed one.
• Expert Review of a competitor’s taxonomy targets understanding how your competitors approach their online taxonomy.
• Focus Groups provide perspective from target audiences on their preferences for locating information, how those viewpoints relate to the taxonomy and any additional insights that could impact future taxonomy decisions.
• Stakeholder Interviews provide Usability Sciences with a deeper understanding of each stakeholder’s role, as well as an overall understanding of the organizational requirements of the taxonomy and its associated maintenance process. Discussions are conducted with those impacted by or having an impact on the website’s taxonomy.

The Results

Our multiphase approach will provide you with recommendations on:

• How to organize your site’s content
• What to name each category
• Where content should be placed 

Contact Us today to learn more about how we can help you improve findability on your site.

Also, let our team of user experience professionals take you through taxonomy insights:

• Taxonomy—The Backbone of Findability: In this webinar, we discuss the role a site’s taxonomy plays in a user’s ability to find the product (or content) he or she desires.