Frequently Asked Questions

Card Sorting

What is Card Sorting?

Card sorting is a simple technique that can help you organize data in a way that makes the most sense to your customers or website visitors. It is often used for designing information architecture, workflows, menu structure, or website navigation paths.

Please see our infographic explaining Card Sorting in 5 simple steps

What can you do with Card Sorting?

With card sorting you can collect data that can help you improve your products. For example, if you work on your website redesign, you will be able to come to a better decision regarding your homepage and labeling its categories, or restructure your website navigation. In other words, you are more certain to organize information on your site logically for your users.

Why is it called Card Sorting?

This method was developed before we used computers for usability testing. Originally, a person conducting Card Sorting exercise would use paper index cards and write terms or items on each of them. Then they would ask participants to sort these “cards” into logical groups. For example, “car” and “bus” could go into a group called “land” while “ship” and “boat” could be placed into a group called “water”.

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 some tests do, card sorting provides insights into available options based on the approach of each individual participant.

What Card Sorting type does your tool support?

Our remote (online) Card Sorting tool supports Open, Closed and Hybrid types.
  • CLOSED CARD SORT type is where you provide your test participants with the categories for sorting cards.

    » Closed Card Sorting DEMO


  • OPEN CARD SORT type is where your test participants create their own categories while they sort the cards.

    » Open Card Sorting DEMO


  • HYBRID CARD SORT type is a combination of both OPEN and CLOSED card sorting types. You can also see the use of images in the cards in the example below. Hybrid option was a new option first offered by usabiliTEST in response to our software users.

    » Hybrid Card Sorting DEMO

Does your tool support image sorting?

Absolutely! Our card sorting supports cards with text labels, images or a combination of both.

Please see this demo of the Card Sorting for images.

What data analyses options does Card Sorting tool offer?

Built-in analytics tools allow you to present data collected in Card Sorting test in the following formats:
  1. Raw numbers
  2. Percentages
  3. Grouped percentages
  4. Distance matrix
  5. Multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) analysis of the distance matrix
  6. Interactive dendrogram, which represents Hierarchical Cluster Analysis

Prioritization Matrix

Is it possible to change axis labels?

Yes, you can customize the label of any axis of the Prioritization Matrix tool. If you do not use this option, the following default values will be used:

X: Importance

Y: Frequency

How many participants can Prioritization Matrix support?

There is no limit on how many participants each test can have. Because the data is analyzed by our system immediately, the results can change with each selection and are always accurate.

Can I use images in this test?

Yes, our Prioritization Matrix supports text labels, images or a combination of both.

Please see this demo of the Prioritization Matrix for images.

Products

Is it possible to sent participants to a specific website after the test?

Yes, you can enable this setting in your test options. Simply provide a link where you would like your participants to be redirected after they complete this test.

Can I restrict access to my test?

Yes, you can. All tests have a unique address, that is nearly impossible to guess, but in addition, you can add a password protection and only those participants that have this password will be able to access it.

Can I launch test under my company name?

Yes, you can co-brand the test page by creating your custom header, complete with your own logo. It takes a minute to set it up.

Subscription

What is the difference between PREMIUM and PRO subscriptions?

PRO subscription is the same level as PREMIUM, except you get a discount for paying annually. You pay for just 9 months, getting 3 for free. We recommend this subscription to users that intend to use our tools throughout the year.

How can I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your subscription at any time. Simply login to your usabiliTEST and click CANCEL next to your current subscription record in Subscription History section.

What products are included in each subscription?

All products are available in every subscription. We charge a fee for accessing our tools. What tools you use is up to you. Visit PRODUCTS section for more details.

Do you offer educational discounts?

Yes, we do! We offer 30% off any subscription level to students, faculty and offices with any accredited educational institution.

Please create a Free account and use Helpdesk link to contact us for a discount code.

Can we pay by Purchase Order (PO)?

Yes, we do accept POs. Please contact us through our online contact form with the details of your organization and the dates when you need your subscription to be activated.

How many tests/participants can I have during one month subscription?

We don't believe in charging per test. What if you don't get it right the first time? Create as many tests as you need.

We do not limit the number of participants in your tests, whether you have 5 or 500. It's your project -- you decide when enough is enough, and turn off your test. You're in control of your results.

Can I try the tools for free?

Yes, we offer a no-obligations 48-hour Trial. During this trial period there are no limits on tests and participants and all functionality is functional 100%. Give it a whirl!