Card Sorting

This method asks users to organize content into groups with labels. It is often used to create the information architecture of a web site or menu system.

Two variants:

• Open card sorting. Users are allowed to cluster content items as they see fit. They then propose labels for the clusters.
• Closed card sorting. Users are given a set of labels. They then place each content item with the label that matches best.

Kuniavsky covers these methods in chapter 8.

Items for discussion

• What information does card sorting provide?
• Is it a user research method or a design method?