How to Use Card Sorting for Better Information Architecture
Price
Card sorting is a popular and useful tool to uncover the most intuitive ways to group and structure information in an interface. It’s a tried and tested technique that’s easy to carry out and brings rewarding insights into how users process and group information subconsciously.
But, for a card sorting session to give you usable, relevant insights, it has to be done right. An improper card sorting session can result in inconsistent observations or insights without enough meaning. Moreover, there are multiple approaches to card sorting, and depending on your goals, you should choose the right one.
In this Master Class, you’ll take an in-depth look at the best ways to plan, run and analyze a card sort. You’ll learn from Donna Spencer, who is an expert in card sorting and has published books on the topic. You’ll discover:
- When (and when not) to use card sorting
- How to set goals for a card sort and structure it to achieve those goals
- How to interpret and analyze results
- What unusual things to expect in the results
- How to apply the results to an information architecture design process
With card sorting, you can use real user insights to group information more intuitively. Through card sorting, you can create information architecture that aligns with how users naturally process and group data, making your product much more user-friendly. This valuable skill can help make you a better UX or UI designer—and in this Master Class, you’ll learn card sorting from Donna, who is one of the foremost experts on the topic.
Your Speaker and Industry Expert
Donna Spencer is an independent design consultant. With 20+ years of experience, she has expertise across the entire design spectrum – from strategy to delivery and everything in between – and she loves all of it.
Donna has designed solutions for a wide range of problems across all kinds of industries, with a particular emphasis on information architecture and complex employee experience problems. Recognised internationally as a leading UX practitioner, Donna is a regular conference speaker and has written five UX-related books, including books on card sorting and information architecture.
Donna also created UX Australia and ran it for 9 years. You can connect with Donna and read more about her work on her website and Twitter.
Build High-Impact Design and AI Skills
- Learn from industry leaders.
- Practical 1-hour Master Classes.
- Apply what you learn right away.
- Already a member? Log in to get your 90% discount.
Get a Certificate
You get an industry-recognized IxDF Certificate after each Master Class you complete. Add it to your LinkedIn profile and résumé to show managers and clients you learned your skills from the best.
Questions? We've Got Answers
Why are design skills so important right now?
Design skills are valuable for both you personally and for your company.
For you personally, design skills are important because:
Design roles are growing faster than average. The World Economic Forum ranks human-centered design among the fastest-growing skill areas through 2030.
Employers increasingly expect design skills across roles, not just from designers. Knowing design thinking, user research, or UX principles makes you more competitive in any field.
Designers who combine human-centered skills with AI expertise are in especially high demand.
For your company, design skills are important because:
Design skills help your team increase sales, retain customers, and improve customer satisfaction. Better customer experiences lead directly to better business results.
Companies that invest in design outperform the S&P 500 Index by 228% (Design Management Institute, Design Value Index).
Design is more than aesthetics. It's how teams make products easier to use, services more efficient, and technology more human. These skills create value across every department.
I'm not a designer. Why should I learn design and AI?
Design and tech skills can open up career opportunities.
For example, if you're in a field such as:
Marketing, communication, HR, software development, customer service, business management, healthcare, teaching, and many more.
Why can design skills make you valuable in these jobs and industries?
That's because:
Design skills help your team increase sales, retain customers, and improve customer satisfaction. Better customer experiences lead directly to better business results.
Companies that invest in design outperform the S&P 500 Index by 228% (Design Management Institute, Design Value Index).
Design is more than aesthetics. It's how teams make products easier to use, services more efficient, and technology more human. These skills create value across every department.
Do I need any prior experience in design or tech?
No.
Our courses, master classes, and career programs cover everything from the fundamentals to advanced topics.
Whether you're completely new to design or an experienced professional, you'll find courses, master classes and career programs at your level.
Will I receive a Certificate?
Yes.
After you finish, you'll receive an industry-recognized IxDF Certificate to prove you've completed an evidence-based curriculum taught by industry leaders.
Add IxDF Certificates to your LinkedIn profile, resumé and job application in a few easy steps.
You can download your certificates as .jpg files, so they are easy to share. Certificates are always valid.
How do I add the IxDF Certificate to my LinkedIn profile?
That's easy.
Add your IxDF Certificates to your LinkedIn profile, resumé and job application in a few easy steps:
Click “Add profile section” on your LinkedIn
Tap “Recommended”
Select “Add licenses or certifications”
Enter your IxDF Certificate details
Hit “Save”
You can download your IxDF Certificates as .jpg files, so they are easy to share. IxDF Certificates are always valid.
Need more detailed instructions?
How can the global and local IxDF community help me?
We can help you in several ways.
Join meetups in your city: Join the regular meetups in your city in a nearby cafe or office building to have fun and learn with people just like you. You get full access to IxDF Local Groups where you can build your network, find new opportunities, or simply enjoy yourself in the company of people who are passionate about design. The meetings are completely optional and are spread across app. 500 cities worldwide.
You can also get instant help and career advice in the IxDF online members-only forums. Here, you can build your global network through our supportive community.
I just signed up for a live Master Class. What's next?
Wonderful! When you sign up for a Master Class, you'll receive an email from us with a link to join the live Master Class.
If you can't find the email, please reach out to [email protected], and we're super happy to help you!
Great news! You'll also get an on-demand version of your Master Class a few hours after the live event ends.
A few days later, the on-demand Master Class will also show up on your private profile page if you're a member.
That way, you can view the Master Class on-demand at any time. As many times as you wish.
Will the live Master Class be recorded and become available on-demand?
Absolutely!
When you sign up for a live Master Class, you'll automatically receive the link to the recording a few hours after the live event ends.
A few days later, the on-demand Master Class will show up on your private profile page if you're an IxDF member. If you're not a member, you'll receive your recording by email.
You can enjoy your Master Class on-demand at any time, anywhere. Watch it as many times as you want.
What if I can't attend a live Master Class?
Great news! We've got you covered.
When you sign up for the live Master Class, you'll automatically receive the link to the recording a few hours after the live event ends.
A few days later, the on-demand Master Class will show up on your private profile page if you're an IxDF member. If you're not a member, you'll receive your recording by email.
You can enjoy your Master Class on-demand at any time, anywhere. Watch it as many times as you want.
What if I have more questions?
We'd love to hear from you and help you!
Reach out to us at [email protected] or use the online contact form.
High-Impact AI and Design Skills
What the Design Industry Says
Everything you learn at IxDF is evidence-based and designed to create actual results in your job and career.
Hear from designers, career switchers, and product leaders who share their experience with IxDF.
– Forbes.com
– UXPin
– Petal Health
– UxManiac
– Don Norman
– UsefulUsability.com
– Future Product Days
– Employed World
4.8/5 “Excellent” (based on 2,341 reviews)
– Trustpilot
– Critical Techworks
– Sagicor South Africa
– Leads.Lab
9/10 “I highly recommend it for anyone.”
– UX Mastery
– NextGen Healthcare
– Toools Design
– AiGA Design
– Core77
– IBM
– UX Planet
– George UX Conf
– SAP Community Network
– Canon
– UI Gradient
– UX Salon Barcelona
– Paul Boag
– Allied Irish Banks
– UX UI
– IDZ Berlin