3.3 Card sorting
10 min read•august 20, 2024
Card sorting is a technique that helps uncover how people mentally organize information. By having participants sort labeled cards into groups, designers gain insights into users' mental models and expectations for content organization.
This method is crucial for creating intuitive navigation and . It comes in various forms, including open, closed, and hybrid sorting, each offering unique benefits for understanding user perspectives and validating existing structures.
Definition of card sorting
- Card sorting is a user-centered design technique that helps uncover how users mentally organize and categorize information
- Involves participants sorting a set of cards, each labeled with a piece of content or functionality, into groups that make sense to them
- Provides insights into users' mental models and expectations for information organization, which can inform the design of intuitive navigation and information architecture
Open vs closed card sorting
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- allows participants to create their own category names and sort cards into those categories freely
- Helps explore users' natural way of grouping information without predefined constraints
- Useful for generating ideas and discovering unexpected ways users might categorize content
- requires participants to sort cards into predefined categories provided by the researchers
- Helps validate existing information structures or test specific hypotheses about content organization
- Useful when there are established categories or a need to align with business requirements
Hybrid card sorting
- combines elements of both open and closed card sorting
- Participants are provided with some predefined categories but also have the option to create their own if needed
- Offers a balance between exploring user-generated categories and validating existing structures
- Useful when there are some established categories but also a desire to uncover new or alternative groupings
Remote vs in-person card sorting
- Remote card sorting is conducted online, with participants completing the sorting exercise independently using specialized software (, )
- Allows for a larger and more geographically diverse sample of participants
- Provides flexibility for participants to complete the study at their own pace and convenience
- In-person card sorting is conducted face-to-face, with participants physically sorting cards in the presence of a researcher
- Enables researchers to observe participants' behavior, body language, and thinking process directly
- Allows for immediate follow-up questions and deeper insights into participants' reasoning and decision-making
Benefits of card sorting
- Card sorting is a valuable technique in user-centered design that helps align information architecture with users' mental models and expectations
- Provides insights into how users naturally categorize and organize information, which can inform the design of intuitive navigation and content structures
- Helps identify common patterns and relationships between different pieces of content or functionality
Uncovering users' mental models
- Card sorting reveals how users mentally organize and relate different concepts and information
- Helps understand users' expectations for where they would expect to find certain content or functionality within a system
- Uncovers users' natural language and terminology for describing and categorizing information
Informing information architecture
- Card sorting results can directly inform the development of an information architecture that matches users' mental models
- Helps determine the most intuitive and user-friendly way to structure and label content categories and navigation
- Identifies potential gaps or overlaps in content organization and suggests opportunities for improvement
Validating navigation structures
- Card sorting can be used to validate existing navigation structures and assess their alignment with users' expectations
- Helps identify areas where the current information architecture may be confusing or inconsistent with users' mental models
- Provides data-driven insights to support decisions on maintaining or restructuring navigation and content organization
Enhancing usability and findability
- By aligning information architecture with users' mental models, card sorting contributes to improved usability and findability
- Intuitive content organization and labeling make it easier for users to navigate and locate desired information
- Reduces cognitive load and frustration, leading to a more positive user experience
Card sorting methodology
- Card sorting involves a systematic process of planning, conducting, and analyzing the sorting exercises to gather meaningful insights
- Requires careful consideration of objectives, participant selection, card preparation, session facilitation, and
- Following a structured methodology ensures reliable and actionable results that can inform design decisions
Defining objectives and scope
- Clearly define the goals and objectives of the card sorting study, such as exploring user-generated categories, validating an existing structure, or identifying areas for improvement
- Determine the scope of the content or functionality to be included in the study, focusing on the most critical and representative items
- Align the objectives and scope with the overall project goals and user research questions
Selecting participants
- Identify the target audience for the card sorting study, considering factors such as demographics, domain knowledge, and user roles
- Recruit a diverse and representative sample of participants to ensure a range of perspectives and mental models are captured
- Determine the appropriate number of participants based on the complexity of the content and the desired level of confidence in the results (typically 15-20 for open sorting, 30-50 for closed sorting)
Preparing cards and categories
- Create a comprehensive list of content items or functionalities to be included in the study, ensuring they are representative of the system or domain
- Write clear, concise, and unambiguous labels for each card, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to participants
- For closed card sorting, define a set of categories that are mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive, and aligned with the study objectives
Conducting the sorting sessions
- Provide participants with clear instructions on how to complete the card sorting exercise, including any specific criteria or constraints to consider
- Encourage participants to think aloud and verbalize their thought process as they sort the cards, providing valuable qualitative insights
- For in-person sessions, observe participants' behavior and body language, and ask follow-up questions to clarify their decisions and reasoning
Analyzing and interpreting results
- Use specialized software or manual methods to analyze the card sorting data, identifying common patterns, groupings, and relationships between cards
- Generate dendrograms, similarity matrices, or other visualizations to help identify clusters and themes in the data
- Interpret the results in the context of the study objectives, user research questions, and broader project goals
- Synthesize the findings into actionable insights and recommendations for information architecture and design improvements
Best practices for card sorting
- Following best practices in card sorting helps ensure reliable, valid, and actionable results that can effectively inform design decisions
- Careful consideration of the type of card sorting, number of cards, labeling, instructions, and participant engagement can significantly impact the quality and usefulness of the insights obtained
- Adhering to best practices maximizes the value of card sorting as a user research technique and supports the development of user-centered information architectures
Choosing the right type of card sorting
- Select the appropriate type of card sorting (open, closed, or hybrid) based on the study objectives and the maturity of the information architecture
- Open sorting for exploring user-generated categories and discovering new ways of organizing content
- Closed sorting for validating existing structures or testing specific hypotheses
- Hybrid sorting for a balance between exploration and validation
- Consider the complexity of the content and the desired level of structure in the results when choosing the sorting type
Determining the optimal number of cards
- Aim for a manageable number of cards that can be sorted within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30-60 minutes) to avoid participant fatigue and maintain data quality
- As a general guideline, use 30-60 cards for open sorting and 50-100 cards for closed sorting, depending on the complexity of the content and the study objectives
- If the content is too extensive, consider breaking it down into smaller, more focused card sorting exercises or using other techniques like tree testing to validate the structure
Writing clear and concise card labels
- Use clear, concise, and unambiguous labels for each card to ensure participants understand the content and can make informed sorting decisions
- Avoid jargon, technical terms, or organization-specific language that may be unfamiliar or confusing to participants
- Aim for a consistent level of granularity and specificity across all card labels to prevent biases or inconsistencies in the sorting process
Providing unambiguous instructions
- Provide participants with clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to complete the card sorting exercise, including any specific criteria or constraints to consider
- Explain the purpose of the study and how the results will be used to improve the user experience and information architecture
- Encourage participants to sort the cards based on their own understanding and mental models, rather than trying to guess the "correct" answer or the organization's perspective
Encouraging participant thinking aloud
- Prompt participants to think aloud and verbalize their thought process as they sort the cards, providing valuable qualitative insights into their decision-making and mental models
- Ask open-ended questions to clarify participants' choices and reasoning, such as "Why did you place this card in this category?" or "What made you decide to create a new category for these cards?"
- Observe participants' behavior, body language, and any hesitations or uncertainties during the sorting process, as these can provide additional context and depth to the quantitative data
Limitations of card sorting
- While card sorting is a valuable user research technique, it is important to be aware of its limitations and potential drawbacks to ensure appropriate application and interpretation of results
- Understanding the limitations helps researchers and designers contextualize the findings and make informed decisions about when and how to use card sorting in combination with other research methods
- Recognizing the limitations also prevents over-reliance on card sorting results and encourages a holistic approach to user-centered design and information architecture
Influence of existing mental models
- Participants' existing mental models, shaped by their prior experiences and knowledge, can influence their card sorting behavior and results
- Participants may sort cards based on familiar patterns or conventions, rather than considering alternative or innovative ways of organizing the information
- The influence of existing mental models can limit the discovery of novel or unconventional information architectures that may better serve users' needs
Lack of context for complex systems
- Card sorting exercises often present content items or functionalities in isolation, without the full context of the user journey or the broader system
- The lack of context can make it challenging for participants to fully understand the relationships and dependencies between different pieces of content or functionality
- In complex systems or domains, the simplified nature of card sorting may not capture the nuances and intricacies of how information is used and navigated in real-world scenarios
Potential for inconsistent results
- Card sorting results can vary depending on the participant sample, the specific instructions provided, and the context in which the study is conducted
- Different groups of participants may produce different card sorting results, reflecting the diversity of mental models and perspectives within the target audience
- The potential for inconsistent results highlights the need for careful participant selection, clear instructions, and multiple rounds of testing to identify consistent patterns and themes
Need for complementary research methods
- Card sorting provides valuable insights into users' mental models and expectations for information organization, but it may not capture the full picture of user needs and behaviors
- Complementary research methods, such as user interviews, , and analytics data, are often necessary to validate and enrich the insights from card sorting
- Relying solely on card sorting results may overlook important factors such as task flows, contextual factors, and user motivations that impact the effectiveness of an information architecture
Integrating card sorting results
- Integrating card sorting results into the design process is crucial for translating user insights into actionable improvements in information architecture and user experience
- Effective integration involves creating sitemaps and navigation structures, aligning with business goals and constraints, iterating based on , and documenting and communicating findings
- By successfully integrating card sorting results, designers and researchers can ensure that the information architecture reflects users' mental models and supports their goals and tasks
Creating sitemaps and navigation structures
- Use the card sorting results to inform the development of sitemaps and navigation structures that align with users' mental models and expectations
- Identify the most common and consistent groupings and labeling patterns from the card sorting data to define the primary categories and subcategories of the information architecture
- Create visual representations of the proposed sitemap and navigation structure, using tools like flowcharts, wireframes, or prototypes to communicate the hierarchy and relationships between content items
Aligning with business goals and constraints
- When integrating card sorting results, it is important to balance user insights with business goals, technical constraints, and other organizational factors
- Identify areas where the user-generated categories and labels may need to be adapted or refined to meet specific business requirements or align with existing brand terminology
- Collaborate with from different departments (marketing, product, engineering) to ensure the proposed information architecture is feasible, sustainable, and supports overall business objectives
Iterating based on user feedback
- Treat the initial integration of card sorting results as a starting point for an iterative design process, rather than a final solution
- Conduct usability testing or tree testing with the proposed information architecture to gather user feedback and identify areas for improvement
- Iterate on the sitemap and navigation structure based on user feedback, making incremental changes and testing the refined versions to ensure they effectively support user goals and tasks
Documenting and communicating findings
- Document the card sorting methodology, results, and recommendations in a clear and concise report or presentation
- Communicate the key insights and rationale behind the proposed information architecture to stakeholders, emphasizing the user-centered approach and the benefits for usability and findability
- Use visualizations, quotes, and examples from the card sorting sessions to illustrate users' mental models and support the design decisions
- Create a shared understanding among the project team and stakeholders of how the card sorting results have informed the information architecture and contribute to a more user-friendly experience
Key Terms to Review (17)
Closed Card Sorting: Closed card sorting is a user-centered design technique where participants are given a set of predefined categories and asked to sort items into these categories. This method helps to evaluate and validate existing structures by testing how well users can classify content within established parameters. It's particularly useful for creating or refining information architecture in websites and applications.
Data Analysis: Data analysis is the process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to discover useful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-making. This process involves various techniques and tools to interpret qualitative and quantitative data, enabling insights that guide design and strategy development.
Facilitated Session: A facilitated session is a structured meeting led by a facilitator, whose role is to guide participants through a collaborative process, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute. This approach helps to focus discussions, manage group dynamics, and achieve specific objectives, often used in contexts like brainstorming, decision-making, or gathering user feedback. The facilitator's neutral position fosters an inclusive environment where diverse ideas can emerge and be synthesized effectively.
Hybrid Card Sorting: Hybrid card sorting is a research method that combines elements of both open and closed card sorting techniques. In this approach, participants are provided with a set of predefined categories while also having the freedom to create their own categories for organizing the cards. This method allows for a deeper understanding of users' mental models and how they relate to existing structures, leading to more informed design decisions.
Information Architecture: Information architecture is the practice of organizing and structuring information in a clear and efficient way to enhance usability and accessibility. This includes the design of navigation systems, categorization of content, and overall layout, ensuring that users can easily find and understand the information they seek. It connects closely with empathy maps to identify user needs, site maps for visualizing structure, content inventories for assessing existing materials, card sorting for grouping related content, and navigation design for guiding user interactions.
Mental Model: A mental model is a cognitive representation that individuals create in their minds to understand and interact with the world around them. These internal frameworks help people organize their knowledge and predict outcomes based on their experiences. Mental models play a crucial role in user experience design, particularly in shaping how users navigate systems, perform tasks, and develop expectations about functionality.
Open Card Sorting: Open card sorting is a user-centered design technique where participants are asked to organize a set of topics or items into groups that make sense to them, while also creating labels for those groups. This method encourages creativity and allows users to define their own categories, providing insights into their mental models and preferences. Open card sorting is particularly useful for understanding user perspectives and informing the design of information architecture.
Optimalsort: Optimalsort is a method used in card sorting to efficiently organize and categorize information, ensuring that the resulting structure reflects users' mental models. This technique focuses on minimizing the number of comparisons or moves necessary during the sorting process, leading to a more streamlined and user-friendly outcome. By emphasizing efficiency, optimalsort aims to enhance the overall usability of the sorted items.
Remote Testing: Remote testing refers to the process of evaluating a product, website, or application with users who are not physically present in the same location as the testing team. This approach enables researchers to gather usability feedback and insights from a diverse group of participants across various locations, using digital tools to facilitate interaction and data collection. Remote testing is particularly valuable for reaching a broader audience, making it a cost-effective and efficient method for usability testing and card sorting exercises.
Stakeholders: Stakeholders are individuals or groups that have an interest in or are affected by a project, organization, or decision. They can include customers, employees, investors, suppliers, and the community at large. Understanding stakeholders is crucial because their needs and expectations can significantly influence the direction and success of any initiative.
Target users: Target users are specific groups of people that a product, service, or experience is designed for, based on their needs, preferences, and behaviors. Understanding target users helps designers and developers create solutions that effectively address the challenges and desires of these individuals, leading to better user experiences and higher satisfaction rates.
Taxonomy: Taxonomy refers to the science of classification, particularly in organizing information or elements into structured categories based on shared characteristics. This concept is crucial in various fields, including web design and information architecture, where it helps to create clarity and organization within systems. By developing a taxonomy, designers can enhance usability, improve navigation, and make it easier for users to find what they need by grouping related content logically.
Usability Testing: Usability testing is a method used to evaluate a product or service by testing it with real users to see how easily they can interact with it. This approach helps identify any usability issues, understand user behavior, and gather feedback to improve the design, ensuring that the final product meets user needs effectively.
User Categorization: User categorization refers to the process of grouping users based on shared characteristics, behaviors, or preferences to better understand their needs and improve design strategies. This practice helps designers create tailored experiences, ensuring that products or services effectively meet the diverse requirements of different user groups. By categorizing users, designers can identify patterns that inform decisions related to functionality, usability, and overall user experience.
User feedback: User feedback is the information and responses provided by users about their experiences with a product, service, or system. It is essential for understanding user needs and preferences, guiding design decisions, and improving overall user satisfaction. Gathering and analyzing user feedback helps designers and developers make informed choices throughout various stages of the design process, ensuring that the final product aligns with user expectations.
User-Centered Design: User-centered design is an approach that prioritizes the needs, preferences, and limitations of end-users at every stage of the design process. This methodology emphasizes understanding user behaviors and experiences to create products that are both effective and enjoyable to use.
UserZoom: UserZoom is a research platform designed to help teams gather user insights through usability testing, surveys, and other methods. It enables businesses to understand user behavior, preferences, and pain points, ultimately informing design decisions and improving user experiences. By leveraging UserZoom's tools, organizations can engage real users and obtain valuable feedback throughout the design process.