More about Card Sorting in UX
Card sorting helps uncover how individuals break down problems, concepts, or tasks mentally and prioritize items based on relative value. Participants categorize items (words, images, or topics) on cards according to researcher-defined criteria, with the process varying between exploratory or evaluative goals. 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.
While online card sorting suits later design stages, in-person sessions excel at the front end, allowing researchers to probe sorting decisions for deeper insights unavailable in digital tools.
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
Enable larger sample sizes than in-person sessions, scaling card sorting exercises efficiently.
2. Rich insights from small samples
A sample of 25 participants in card sorting yields insights comparable to 100 in other methods.
Disadvantages of Card Sorting
1. Domain knowledge dependency
Closed card sort success relies on participants’ familiarity with the subject matter.
2. Strict guidelines
Participants must follow researcher instructions precisely during the card sorting exercise.
3. Recording requirements
Every session must be documented, as missed details can skew synthesis.