Open Card Sort
What is an Open Card Sort?
An open card sort is a user research technique where participants organize topics or items into groups that make sense to them and create their own labels for these groups. This method helps researchers understand how users categorize and relate information, which is valuable for designing intuitive information architectures and navigation systems.
Synonyms: User-generated categorization, Open-ended card sorting, Participant-driven information grouping
How Open Card Sorting Works
Open card sorting is a simple yet powerful technique in user research. Here's how it typically works:
- Prepare a set of cards, each representing a topic or item from your website or application.
- Ask participants to sort these cards into groups that make sense to them.
- Participants then create and name their own categories for these groups.
- Researchers analyze the results to identify patterns and insights.
This method allows for maximum flexibility and creativity from participants, providing valuable insights into users' mental models.
Benefits of Open Card Sorting
Open card sorting offers several advantages in user research:
- Uncovers user mental models: It reveals how users naturally categorize and relate information.
- Improves information architecture: Insights help create more intuitive website or app structures.
- Enhances user experience: By aligning with users' expectations, it can lead to more user-friendly designs.
- Identifies terminology issues: It can highlight when labels or terms are confusing to users.
- Encourages user-centered design: It puts users at the center of the organization process.
When to Use Open Card Sorting
Open card sorting is particularly useful in certain scenarios:
- When designing a new website or application structure
- Reorganizing an existing site to improve navigation
- Developing a taxonomy or classification system
- Understanding differences in how various user groups categorize information
- Generating ideas for menu structures or content organization
By employing open card sorting at the right times, researchers can gain valuable insights to inform their design decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What's the difference between open and closed card sorting?: In open card sorting, participants create their own category names, while in closed card sorting, categories are predefined by the researcher.
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How many participants do I need for an open card sort?: Typically, 15-20 participants can provide reliable results for most projects, but this can vary based on the complexity of your content.
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Can open card sorting be done remotely?: Yes, there are several online tools available that allow for remote open card sorting sessions, making it possible to conduct this research with geographically dispersed participants.
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How long does an open card sort usually take?: The duration can vary, but most sessions take between 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of cards and complexity of the topics.
