More about Card sorting
In simple words, card sorting can be used to figure the way individuals break down a problem, concept or task in their head, and sort them based on their priorities and relative value of broken down items. Card sorting, therefore, can elucidate the mental models of individuals, how they structure a solution to a problem and the commonalities as well as differences between participants and user groups.
The method as such involves participants categorizing different items such as words or images on separate cards based on a predefined criteria outlined by the researcher. Whether the objective of using the method is exploratory or evaluative will determine the way the process is designed.
While online card sorting research makes sense for projects that come further along in the design process, the card sorting technique is best applied at the front end of the design process through an in-person session. In-person card sorting allows the researcher to probe respondents on their sorting decisions and gain valuable insights that would be tedious using online software.
Card sorting can be open or closed where the exercise can be conducted either in-person/ individually or online.
Method
Purpose
Advantages
Disadvantages
Open Sort (Participants can categorize items as they please).
Open sorts allows for participant-driven discoveries, limiting any preconceived barriers by the designer.
- Lends the users more flexibility.
- Chances of identifying criticalities are higher.
Different participants may categorize cards differently which can add complexity when consolidating findings.
Closed Sort (Participants can categorize items based on predefined categories set by the researcher).
A closed sort assumes that the researcher knows the categories that matter to the participants and/or to the research project.
It is an observational probing technique for the researcher as they have set the pre-defined criteria for categorizing different items into groups.
The users have lesser flexibility in sorting. The method assumes that the researcher is completely aware of the project which may not always be the case.
Advantages of Card sorting
1. Online card sorting tools
Online card sorting tools allow for much larger samples than would be possible otherwise.
2. Rich insights with small samples
The method allows a sample size of 25 participants to arrive at insights that would be possible with a sample of 100 in other methods.
Disadvantages of Card sorting
1. Domain knowledge
In case of predefined categories, the success of the method depends upon the participant’s domain knowledge.
2. Strict guidelines
The method requires that the participants stick to the guidelines and instructions of the researcher.
3. Recording findings
The number of times the exercise is performed, the result must be recorded as any missed record of findings could sway the results elsewhere.