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How to Run a Card Sort Test: A Step-by-Step Guide for UX Research

Fe Gemade

Updated: Feb 4

In User Experience (UX) design, understanding how users organise and interpret information is key to building intuitive interfaces. One of the most effective methods to achieve this insight is card sorting—a user research technique that reveals how people naturally categorise information.


Whether designing a website, an app, or an internal knowledge base, a card sort test can offer valuable guidance on creating navigation structures that align with users' mental models. This guide will walk you through the essentials of conducting a successful card sorting test, including the types of card sorting and when to use them.


A brainstorming board covered with colorful sticky notes, org
A brainstorming board covered with colorful sticky notes, org

What is Card Sorting, and Why Is It Important?

Card sorting is a user research method where participants organise a set of cards—each representing a piece of information or content—into groups based on their understanding and perception. This technique is widely used to:

  • Understand user mental models: How users naturally categorise and relate to information.

  • Improve navigation structures: Build intuitive menus, categories, and hierarchies.

  • Enhance content discoverability: Make it easier for users to find what they need.

By analysing card sorting results, UX designers can design systems that match user expectations, resulting in smoother and more efficient user experiences.


When to Use Card Sorting in UX Design?

Card sorting is useful in the following scenarios:

  • During the early stages of design: To understand how users expect content to be organised.

  • Redesigning a website or app: When existing navigation structures feel cluttered or unintuitive.

  • Validating content structures: Ensure your categories and labels align with user expectations.

Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing design, card sorting provides clarity on how to approach content organisation.


Types of Card Sorting

  1. Open Card SortingIn an open card sort, participants are given a stack of cards and asked to group them into categories they create themselves. This method is ideal for:

    • Exploring user perceptions without imposing predefined categories.

    • Identifying common patterns and natural groupings in user mental models.

    Example: If you're designing an e-commerce site, participants might group products into categories like Clothing, Electronics, or Home Essentials.

    Best for: Early-stage research when you're exploring category structures.


  2. Closed Card SortingIn a closed card sort, participants are given cards and asked to sort them into predefined categories set by the researcher. This method is useful for:

    • Validating existing categories or structures.

    • Testing whether users can accurately place information into predetermined groups.

    Example: Participants might be given categories like Men’s Clothing, Women’s Clothing, and Children’s Clothing, and asked to place specific items into these groups.

    Best for: Later stages of design, when validating an existing structure.


How to Run a Card Sort Test Step by Step

  1. Define Your Objective

    Start with a clear goal. Are you trying to create a new navigation structure or validate an existing one? Defining your objective helps you decide between open or closed card sorting.

    Example Objective: “Understand how users group product categories on our e-commerce platform.”


  2. Select Your Participants

    Recruit participants who represent your target audience. Aim for at least 15–20 participants for meaningful results.

    Tip: Use online tools like Optimal Workshop or UserTesting to reach remote participants if in-person sessions aren’t feasible.


  3. Prepare Your Cards

    • Write each piece of content or topic on a card (physical or digital).

    • Keep the list manageable—around 30–50 cards is a good starting point.

    • Ensure each card is clear, concise, and free from jargon.


  4. Choose Your Card Sorting Method

    • For exploration: Use open card sorting to allow participants to create their groups.

    • For validation: Use closed card sorting to test predefined categories.


  5. Conduct the Test

    • Explain the objective of the test to participants.

    • Allow participants to sort the cards into groups based on their criteria (open) or into predefined categories (closed).

    • Encourage participants to think aloud while sorting—it offers valuable qualitative insights.

    Tools for Online Card Sorting:

    • Optimal Workshop

    • Miro

    • Trello


  6. Analyse the Results

    After the test, carefully analyse the data:

    • Look for patterns and common groupings across participants.

    • Identify discrepancies or cards that were frequently misplaced.

    • Create a content hierarchy or information architecture based on your findings.

    Tip: Visualisation tools like Affinity Diagrams can help in organising patterns from the data.


Final Thoughts: Why Card Sorting Matters in UX Design

Running a card sort test isn’t just about arranging content—it’s about understanding how your users think. By tapping into their mental models, you can create intuitive navigation structures that reduce friction and enhance the user experience.


Whether you’re at the beginning stages of a project or refining an existing interface, card sorting remains one of the most effective UX research methods.

At Aienai Academy, we emphasise user-centred strategies that bridge the gap between user expectations and design decisions.


Start running your card sort tests today, and let your users guide your design towards clarity and success!



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