The Usability of Computerized Card Sorting: A Comparison of Three Applications by Researchers and End Users

Shannon Riley, Veronica Hinkle, Barbara S. Chaparro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study reports on the usability of three commercially available electronic card sort applications (CardZort, WebSort, and OpenSort) by researchers (Study 1) and by end users (Study 2). Both groups of participants conducted a series of tasks representative of their user group with each program. Researchers focused on the set up and analysis of an open card sort exercise while end user participants conducted an open card sort. Task success, completion time, perceived difficulty, user satisfaction, and overall preference data was gathered for all participants. Results indicate different preferences for the two user groups. Researcher participants preferred WebSort for creating and analyzing the card sort, and end user participants preferred OpenSort for completing the card sort exercise. Usability issues related to each program are discussed.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Usability Studies
Volume4
StatePublished - Nov 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • electronic card sorting applications
  • information architecture
  • cognitive psychology
  • cognitive anthroplogy
  • software application development

Disciplines

  • Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces
  • Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing

Cite this