Card Sorting

What is Card Sorting?

Card Sorting is a UX research method where participants organize content or concepts into categories, providing insights into how users perceive and organize information for improved design decisions. During a card sorting session, participants are given cards representing different pieces of content, features, or concepts and asked to group them in ways that make sense to them.

There are three main types of card sorting: open card sorting (participants create their own categories), closed card sorting (participants sort into predefined categories), and hybrid card sorting (participants can use predefined categories or create new ones). This method helps designers understand users' mental models and create information architectures that align with user expectations.

Why is Card Sorting Important?

Card Sorting is important because it reveals how users naturally categorize and think about information, which is crucial for creating intuitive navigation structures and information architectures. By understanding users' mental models, designers can create websites and applications that feel logical and easy to navigate from the user's perspective.

This method helps reduce the gap between how designers think information should be organized and how users actually expect to find it. It's particularly valuable for complex websites with large amounts of content, helping to create clear navigation paths and reduce user confusion.

How to Conduct Card Sorting?

To conduct card sorting, start by identifying the content or features you want to organize and create cards representing each item. Recruit participants who represent your target users and provide clear instructions about the task. For open card sorting, ask participants to group cards and name their categories. For closed card sorting, provide predefined categories.

Analyze the results by looking for patterns in how participants grouped items and what they named their categories. Use tools like OptimalSort or conduct physical card sorting sessions. Look for items that are consistently grouped together and categories that emerge frequently. Use these insights to inform your information architecture and navigation design decisions.