Glossaries
Card Sorting
What is Card Sorting in User Research?
Card sorting is a user research technique where participants organize topics or items into groups that make sense to them, helping researchers understand users' mental models and improve information architecture.
Synonyms: Information Architecture Sorting, Content Categorization, User-Centered Categorization, Website Structure Testing
How Card Sorting Works in User Research
Card sorting is a simple yet powerful method used by UX researchers and designers to gain insights into how users categorize and understand information. Participants are given a set of cards, each representing a topic or piece of content, and are asked to organize them into groups that make sense to them. This process helps researchers understand users' mental models and expectations, which is crucial for designing intuitive navigation systems and information architectures.
Benefits of Card Sorting for Website and App Design
- Improves Information Architecture: Card sorting helps create a logical and user-centered structure for websites and apps.
- Enhances User Experience: By organizing content in ways that align with user expectations, card sorting contributes to more intuitive and satisfying user experiences.
- Reduces Development Costs: Identifying optimal information structures early in the design process can prevent costly redesigns later.
- Facilitates User-Centered Design: Card sorting puts users at the center of the design process, ensuring their needs and preferences are prioritized.
Types of Card Sorting Techniques
- Open Card Sorting: Participants create their own categories and group cards accordingly.
- Closed Card Sorting: Participants sort cards into predefined categories.
- Hybrid Card Sorting: A combination of open and closed sorting, where some categories are predefined and others can be created by participants.
- Remote Card Sorting: Conducted online, allowing for larger sample sizes and geographically diverse participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the ideal number of participants for a card sorting study?: Typically, 15-20 participants can provide reliable results for most card sorting studies.
- How many cards should be used in a card sorting exercise?: It's generally recommended to use between 30-60 cards for optimal results.
- Can card sorting be done remotely?: Yes, there are various online tools available for conducting remote card sorting studies.
- How long does a card sorting session usually take?: A typical session can last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of cards and complexity of the topics.