A User-Centered Approach to Organizing Information
Summary
Card sorting is a user experience (UX) research method used to help design or improve the information architecture of a website, app, or system. It involves asking users to organize information into categories that make sense, providing valuable insights into how your audience thinks and navigates content.
Card sorting is a technique where participants are given a set of cards, each representing a piece of content, feature, or concept. They are then asked to group these cards in a way that seems logical to them. This method helps designers understand users’ mental models and informs how content should be structured on a website or within an app.
There are two main types of card sorting:
- Open Card Sorting: Participants create their own categories and labels, providing insight into how users naturally group information.
- Closed Card Sorting: Participants are given predefined categories and asked to sort cards into those, which helps validate existing information structures.
Benefits of Card Sorting
- Improves User Experience: By organizing content in a way that aligns with user expectations, card sorting helps create intuitive and user-friendly navigation systems.
- Data-Driven Information Architecture: Instead of relying on assumptions, card sorting provides real data on how users think about and categorize content.
- Increases Engagement: When users can easily find what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to stay on your website or app, increasing engagement and satisfaction.
- Cost-Effective Testing: Card sorting is a relatively simple and low-cost method for testing information architecture, making it ideal for both small and large projects.
- Collaboration and Insight: The process often sparks discussions and insights among team members and users, helping to refine the overall structure of a digital product.
Real-World Example of Card Sorting
A retail website looking to improve its navigation might use card sorting to understand how customers group products. Users might be given cards representing different categories like "Men’s Clothing," "Women’s Accessories," or "Electronics," and asked to organize them. This can reveal whether users expect these to be under broader categories like "Clothing" and "Tech," or if they expect subcategories that weren’t originally considered.
How to Conduct Card Sorting
Start by identifying the content or features that need to be organized. Create cards representing each element and choose whether to conduct an open or closed card sorting exercise. You can perform card sorting in person using physical cards or online using tools like Optimal Workshop or UserZoom. After collecting the data, analyze how participants grouped the information and look for patterns. Use these insights to inform the structure and layout of your website or application.
Conclusion
Card sorting is a powerful technique for organizing content in a way that makes sense to users. By basing information architecture decisions on user input, businesses can create intuitive, user-friendly experiences that enhance navigation and engagement.
Need Help Optimizing Your Website’s Information Architecture?
Our UX experts can conduct card sorting sessions to ensure your content is structured in a way that resonates with your audience. Let us help you create a seamless user experience through smart information organization.