Effective Card Sorting Techniques for User Research

This guide details the methodology of card sorting, a qualitative user research technique aimed at understanding how participants categorize information to reveal their mental models. The document outlines three primary card sorting techniques: closed, open, and mixed card sorting. Closed card sorting involves participants organizing pre-defined cards, whereas open card sorting allows them to create their own categories. Mixed card sorting combines both approaches to gather richer insights. The guide emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate technique based on the project's phase and the user's ability to define terms. It also distinguishes between moderated and unmoderated sessions, highlighting their respective benefits and challenges. Additionally, the recruitment process for participants is discussed, stressing the need to capture a representative sample of users to ensure the validity of the research findings. The guide concludes with practical advice on creating effective cards for sorting, ensuring the total count remains manageable for participants.