Card sorting
Card sorting describes a process with which logical and usable navigation or menu structures can be developed. The aim of the process is to create a usable design , i.e. a user-friendly and easily understandable structure with a logical structure that is equally accepted by the end customers. The general area of application can be found in software development and web design.
When card-sorting at least 15 are representative subjects cards ( cards ) where all menu items. The task of the test subjects is now to sort these menu items into what they consider to be sensible upper menu items. Different degrees of freedom can be specified:
- No specifications regarding the number or designation of the generic terms (test persons must determine the number and names of the generic terms themselves)
- a fixed number of generic terms (test persons determine the names of the generic terms themselves)
- The number and names of the generic terms are fixed (test persons assign the cards to the generic terms that appear most appropriate)
This procedure can be carried out in a one-step or multi-step process. In addition, the comprehensibility of the individual terms and alternative designations can be inquired about.
The appropriate time for the card sorting process is in the development phase and the conception phase of the program.