Card Sorting

What is Card Sorting?

Card sorting is a technique used in Information Architecture (IA). It involves participants using logic while sorting and labeling content or "cards" into groups. Typically, there are two types of Card Sorting tests: Open and Closed. At usabiliTEST we also offer the third type - Hybrid, which is a combination of the first two. This approach offers you a greater flexibility in your research capabilities.

So is Card Sorting a test?

Yes and no. While card sorting doesn't involve testing participants' cognitive abilities, it is a test designed to analyze Information Architecture. Instead of having right or wrong answers like tests do, card sorting provides insights into available options based on the approach of each individual participant.

Exactly how can I use Card Sorting?

With results obtained through a use on online card sorting software you can build your website’s structure. For instance, you come to a better decision regarding your homepage and labeling its categories. In addition, you’re more certain to organize information on your site in a logical manner for the sake of your users. For example, this technique is often used to redesign website navigation and menus.

How can usabiliTEST help me with card sorting?

usabiliTEST has built-in data analytic tools that save you time by providing instant results. You can view your test data as raw numbers, percentages, or distance matrix. Charting features allow you to visualize it as either a multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) plot or a dendrogram. You also have the option of exporting your data in multiple formats so it can be used with your choice of tools.

Create Test

It only takes seconds to create your own usability test. There's lots of flexibility in the setup process. So you can create either simple or complex tests – it all depends on your project's needs.

Our Remote (online) Card Sorting tool allows you to:

• Create either Open Card Sorting, Closed Card Sorting or Hybrid Card Sorting tests
• Password protect the test pages or leave them open to public access
• Create "cards" for sorting one at a time or paste a list
• Either keep your test results private or share with your team/coworkers
• Create as many usability tests, with as many participants as you need
• Launch the tests under your own branding

Invite Participants

Just because you built a test doesn't mean they will come. Furthermore, your test is worthless without participants. While you can tweet or email your test page's link, how do you know if they participated in your test? How do you know if they even opened your email containing the test?

usabiliTEST has tools to assist you with all of this. Simply import your address book and fire up the desired emails with a single click. Afterwards, sit back, relax, and let our system keep track of your test responses for you. As for those slow responses, we'll follow-up with a gentle reminder.

In short, you won't have to bother your colleagues about whether they have taken your test. You will already know if they have.

Get Results

Analyzing data is where the fun begins. This is the longest part of the project. Imagine spending a lengthy amount of time tabulating all your numbers, but in comes some late test submissions.

There's no need to worry about this situation when you use usabiliTEST built-in analytic tools. All computations are done immediately and in real time. With just a click of a button, you can transform your raw numbers into percentages. These percentages can either be plotted on a graph or grouped into logical groupings. If you prefer to use statistical software, you can easily export all your data.

This is what usabiliTEST can do with your data:

• Display raw numbers
• Convert to percentages
• Group percentages
• Create a distance matrix
• Plot multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) analysis of the distance matrix
• Create an interactive dendrogram, which represents Hierarchical Cluster Analysis

...with just one click.

So it doesn't matter if you’re a web designer, a student or a seasoned UX professional, usabiliTEST can help you achieve your goals at a fraction of the price you'd pay other providers.

And why is this?

Because we're on a mission of changing the world by improving usability and in the process of doing this, we don't want the cost to get in the way of those who can help us reach this goal.

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