|
> Card Sorting |
This technique supports the design of the user experience by allowing users to grapple with the categories they would reference while they work toward completing their tasks.
Method This method rev When I do card sorts, I like to put the trigger of the task ("specimen arrives in lab") on one side of the card, and the goal of the task ("determine test or processing step to conduct, eliminating duplication/redundancy"). The groups sort all the cards by trigger then re-sort by goal, so that the variations between the two sorting schema show the hairline fractures needing my resolve. It also helps them to have context when sorting by one or the other (see picture in which a user refers to the back side of the card). Note also in the picture that some card groups are already titled with yellow stickies. Results Content areas organized into labeled groups that users consider meaningful/useful; cross-referencing strategies and naming conventions; content identified for its frequency of use and importance to work process. The card sort can be conducted outside of any other techniques before or after. However, the complete set of content should be identified prior to beginning this method. The content may come from an existing website or set of materials used regularly by the users. Timeframe 1 to 2 days to create cards and gather participants 3 hours to conduct study per user group |
Preparations Preparation involves labeling index cards representing the final, deepest level of content to be included in the product. Creating that list of labels can begin immediately, with a focus on developing brief, descriptive 1-2 word titles for logical group of content. Most importantly, items should not reflect existing information structures or group headers, to avoid leaving clues that direct organizationally-defined arrangements of content. Additional Readings "Information Design Using Card Sorting", Step Two Designs, 2001. (13 pages) http://www.steptwo.com.au/papers/cardsorting/pdf/cardsorting.pdf "Card Sorting", Gerry Gaffney, InfoDesign's Usability Techniques Series, 2000. (1 page) |
eals
how end users organize pieces of information so that it is useful
and meaningful to their work process. Card sorting draws out natural
groupings of information to reflect perceived value and relationships
across various information.