Card / pile sorting is a simple and useful means of eliciting and aggregating qualitative data, in a participatory manner. In anthropology, it is described as pile sorting, and is used for domain analysis, in the field of cognitive anthropology. In website design it is known as card sorting.
- Wikipedia entry on card sorting (focused on website design only)
Anthropology
- Hierarchical Card Sorting: A simple tool for qualitative research and inquiry, also useful for planning and evaluation, by Rick Davies, updated 2021
- How to Sort, by Harloff and Coxon, 2009 and their associated The Method of Sorting website
- The sorting techniques: A tutorial paper on card sorts, picture sorts and item sorts. by Rugg, G., & McGeorge, P. (2005).Expert Systems, 22(3), 94–108.
- Sorting Data: Collection and Analysis by A.P.M. Coxon, Sage, 1999
-
Elicitation Techniques for Cultural Domain Analysis. By Borgatti, S, 1998
Website design
- Card Sorting: Designing Usable Categories. By Donna Spencer. Rosenfeld Media, April 2009
- Sorting Out Card Sorting: Comparing Methods for Information Architects, Usability Engineers and Other Practitioners. Steven D. Hannah, University of Minnesota Crookston, June 2005
- Card sorting: a definitive guide, by Donna Spencer and Todd Warfel on 2004
- Card sorting: by Usability.gov
Software
- OptimalSort: Online card sorting software (free and paid for use):
- SynCapsV2: For the analysis of the results of physical card sorts, which can be downloaded and used on a desktop/laptop
- XSort: is a free card sorting application for Mac, aimed at user experience professionals and social scientists.
- KardSort : Perform Web-Based Cardsort Study for free.
- Miro Card Sorting template
Here’s a long list of articles etc on card sorting: http://www.rosenfeldmedia.com/books/cardsorting/content/bibliography/