Card Sorting

What is Card Sorting?

Card sorting is a user research technique where participants organize topics or content into categories that make sense to them. It helps designers understand users' mental models and create intuitive information architecture.

Types of Card Sorting

There are three main approaches:

• Open sorting: Users create and name their own categories
• Closed sorting: Users sort items into predefined categories
• Hybrid sorting: Combines both approaches, allowing users to modify predefined categories

When to Use Card Sorting

Implement card sorting when:

• Designing new website navigation
• Restructuring existing content
• Creating menu structures
• Organizing complex product categories
• Validating information architecture decisions

Conducting Card Sorting

Key steps include:

• Preparing content cards (30-60 items recommended)
• Recruiting appropriate participants (15-20 for quantitative insights)
• Setting clear instructions and objectives
• Recording and analyzing patterns in categorization
• Translating findings into actionable structure