Ali Demirbaş - Lab
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Category & Listing

Map Beside the List or in Its Own Tab? A/B Test

Showing a map beside location-based results avoids switching views but leaves less space for the list.

  • Category listing
  • Target action completion rate

Option A vs Option B

Where it sits is the variable; the element itself does not change.

Changed
Placement
Page
Category listing
Difference
changed

Hypothesis

A separate map tab gives each view more room but requires switching; the extra step may be harder on mobile. Compare completion of the same predefined target action.

How to run this test

Primary metric

Target action completion rate

Define the target action before launch and compare completion among all eligible visitors assigned to the list or map experience.

Other metrics

  • Listing-detail click-through rateCheck whether visitors open a listing.
  • Map interaction rateMeasure comparable map interactions; opening a tab is not the same as viewing an embedded map.
  • Listings seenMake sure the narrower list does not materially reduce the number of listings seen.
  • Page load timeMake sure the map does not slow the page.

What to check before and during the test

  • PlacementCompare a map beside the list with the same map in a separate tab.
  • Keep constantKeep results, sorting, card design, filters and map behavior unchanged.
  • SpaceCheck how the map affects the number of listings visible on screen.
  • MatchingMake sure each map pin clearly matches its listing.
  • DevicePredefine usable layouts by device and assess each separately.

Setup mistakes to avoid

  1. 1Do not put the map on the critical loading path and confound the result with slower pages.
  2. 2Do not change map placement and listing-card design together.
  3. 3Make sure map pins correspond to the correct listings.
  4. 4Do not use location automatically without the visitor's permission.
  5. 5Do not remove the map just because usage is low; it may matter to a smaller group.