In a card sort, you drag cards into groups, called categories, that make sense to you. Customers use your choices to learn how people group information. This article covers the card sort task you complete on a computer inside a test, and explains how to sort the cards, create your own categories, and finish the task.
In this article:
What is a card sort?
A card sort is a task inside a test. You get a list of cards, such as product names or menu items, and you move each one into a category. There are no right or wrong answers. The customer wants to learn how you think the items fit together.
A card sort can work in one of three ways:
| Card sort type | What you do |
|---|---|
| Closed | Sort every card into categories the customer already created. |
| Open | Create and name your own categories, then sort every card into them. |
| Hybrid | Use the customer’s categories, create your own, or both. |
The task instructions tell you how to sort the cards for that test. A card sort can have up to 60 cards.
Before you start
- Use a computer. Card sorts aren’t available on phones or tablets.
- Plan to finish the card sort in one go. If you leave the test before you finish sorting, your progress isn’t saved.
- Think out loud as you sort. Share why you put each card where you did.
How do I sort the cards?
- Read the Task instructions that open at the start of the task, then click Start task.
- Find your cards in the Cards panel. Cards remaining shows how many are left to sort.
- Drag a card into the Drag cards here area of a category.
- Keep going until every card is in a category. When the Cards panel is empty, All sorted! appears.
You can move a card to a different category, or back to the Cards panel, at any time before you finish.
To read the instructions again, click Task Instructions.
How do I create my own categories?
In an Open or Hybrid card sort, you can create categories of your own.
- Click New category. A new category appears, ready for you to name it.
- Enter a name for the category.
- Drag cards into the new category.
Give every category you create a name. If you click away without entering one, Name this category appears under the category.
Each category needs its own name. If two categories have the same name, Make sure all categories have unique titles. appears. Change one of the names to clear the message. You can’t finish the card sort until every category name is different.
To delete a category you created, click its trash can icon.
You don’t have to use every category. A category with no cards is fine.
How do I finish the card sort?
- Check that every card is in a category, and that every category you created has a name.
- Click Task completed.
If a card isn’t sorted yet, a Complete sorting to finish your task message appears. Click Continue, sort the remaining cards, then click Task completed again.
If a category you created has no name and no cards when you click Task completed, it’s removed from your card sort.
After you finish, you can’t go back and change your card sort.
If the test has follow-up questions, your finished card sort appears next to them in Read only view, so you can refer to it while you answer.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a right way to sort the cards?
No. There are no right or wrong answers. Put each card where it makes the most sense to you. If you’re not sure where a card goes, choose the category that feels closest, and say why out loud.
Can I take a card sort on my phone or tablet?
No. Card sorts are available only on a computer.
Can I change where I put a card?
Yes. You can drag a card to a different category, or back to the Cards panel, at any time before you click Task completed.
What happens if I leave the test before I finish sorting?
Your card sort progress isn’t saved. Plan to finish the card sort in one go.