Stylised zipf curve, with a long neck and a long tail. The long neck element is coloured teal, with a gradient fade to white ending about 20% of the way along the curve

One of the most powerful methods in information architecture and user experience is also one of the least well-known. The top tasks method uses a single survey question that tells you exactly what matters most to your users. I find it so effective that I’m amazed more people haven’t used it.