The users group cards with terms (= name of sub-headings) to sensible groups. There are two methods: With closed card sorting the terms are assigned to predefined categories; in open card sorting users form their own categories, which are (should) represent the later main headings. In a multi-level card sorting, the groups formed in the first round will be further grouped later. Before sorting, the comprehensibility of the terms can (should) also be queried (wording analysis).
Cards and pens or cards printed with words
Prepare cards with terms. When card sorting is closed, additional main categories are specified in which the terms / cards must be sorted.
When implementing an e-commerce website for a vendor with different products and content, the products or product groups and other content on the website are written on individual cards. The test persons should sort the cards with the terms in sensible categories. From the result of the test, the possible content or navigation structure of the website can then be derived.
Effort and duration depending on the size and number of cards. Definition of terms by client / project initiator. Generally purely text-based, unless the rubrics and terms are symbolized by means of pictures (e.g. for the target group children or when assigning icons to certain terms).
