Card sorting is a technique that is used to assess and finalize a design/process that focuses to organize, giving a structure, and labeling the contents in an effective and sustainable way. Before conducting sessions, it is always better to understand the end-user or end output. Knowing them will help to accurately shape, decide, label, and navigate during the session. These sessions can be steered using actual cards, posits, or other card sorting software tools.
Though this technique is widely used to design websites, the learnings and techniques can be useful in various stages of the continuous improvement journey. This technique has nominal setup cost, can be executed quickly, helps gather insights from many members, and provides a good base.
To conduct an effective Card sorting session, First, we need to identify topics that can be either phrase, words, or specific instructions. Second, we need to choose the mode of conducting these sessions (in person or online). Third, set up the session by explaining the scope and lead the session. Finally, once done collect the data and analyze using a cluster analysis software or manually using Ms excel.
These sessions can be conducted as one on one, in a group, or in remote sessions, using card sorting software. Based on the expected output we can either do open or closed card sorting. Open card sorting is where the members are free to sort cards into categories and label them, they seem fit. Closed card sorting is where the members are expected to sort the cards into the categories that you as a session lead would have provided.
This technique sounds very similar to the affinity diagram, the major objective of these two techniques is different though. Affinity diagram or mapping’s focus is to generate discussion and then sorting. Where are Card sorting the focus is to sort and not discuss and done with the actual users. Further, inputs received from Cart sorting can be further used to brainstorm and gather using affinity diagram/mapping.