Developing an Information Architecture with Card Sorting

Card sorting helps information architects determine the optimal navigational structure for their sites. The practice engages users, either in person or online, with the help of computer software, to gather information about how they would use a website or other digital product. Card sorting is an essential step in information architecture, as it identifies what resonates with the intended user. When utilized it improves the overall customer experience.

Web designers should administer card sorting before creating any information architecture. Card sorting helps designers visualize the relationship between the user and the content, identify nonresponsive content, map out optimal navigation paths and use language that is appropriate to the user. There are two methods of performing card sorting – this course explains both.

Developing an Information Architecture with Card Sorting includes 14 lectures specifically on the topic of card sorting. Participants start with a brief introduction but quickly jump into a discussion on how to create their cards. The instructors even provide an excel spreadsheet template to help students organize their cards before moving on to the next step. From there the course quickly progresses to the process of card sorting. Students learn how to recruit participants, facilitate the process and analyze their results. The course also teaches how to administer an online card sort using OptimalSort.

Creating and analyzing a card sort is only the first step toward optimal information architecture. This course also explains how to use card sorting to develop information architecture. For those that prefer doing over listening, there are numerous templates along the way. Students are able to work at their own pace, creating their cards and administering the card sorting process. They then use that data to create their information architecture.

Developing an Information Architecture with Card Sorting is an udemy.com course. This website hosts thousands of technology and design courses online for on-demand learning on a variety of topics. Udemy courses are available for download and include a certificate of completion. Courses are sold as individual products, and a subscription is not required to access course content later. All classes come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

The instructor of Developing an IA with Card Sorting is Joji Mori, a usability expert, and teacher. The Australian-based consultant teaches the course in conjunction with U1 Group, a consultancy group based out of Melbourne. Joji Mori is a known speaker on user experience, in addition to his teaching qualifications, he has ten years' experience in usability design. This is his only Udemy course.

This course features one-hours' worth of straightforward, yet illustrated slides, as well as helpful downloadable templates. It is designed for those with experience creating websites but is most suitable for usability professionals, information architects, web designers and content managers.