Card Sorting

Organize and structure the content of your website using card sorting

What is Card Sorting?

Card sorting is a research method that helps you organize and structure the content of your website in a logical manner. This could involve, for example, products in an online store. It is a technique where participants sort cards into different groups based on specific criteria, such as topic, relevance, or complexity. This process can involve either open or closed card sorting.

Card sorting techniques

There are two different methods to conduct card sorting: open and closed card sorting. Below, I will explain these for you:

• Open card sorting: Participants receive a set of cards with information and are asked to sort them into their own groups based on their own criteria. In contrast to closed card sorting, respondents can determine the categories themselves.

• Closed card sorting: Participants are asked to sort cards with information into pre-determined categories. This could, for example, be based on the navigation of a website.

When to use Card Sorting?

Card sorting is commonly employed in the design of websites and apps to enhance information architecture or to categorize products in an online store. By asking participants to organize information in a way they find logical, insights into the ideal navigation structure are gained. This helps identify the most relevant and understandable categories and labels.

What is important during a Card Sorting session?

• It is important to avoid overlapping terms or concepts between the cards, as they are often grouped together, potentially influencing the research results.

• Ensure an adequate number of participants (15-25) for representative outcomes.

• Provide participants with the option to add comments for a deeper understanding of their thought process.

• Utilize a combination of open and closed card sorting for a more comprehensive perspective.