Create a Card Sorting test with UserTesting

Use these steps to create a card sorint test with UserTesting.

 

On this page:

• About card sorting
• Card sorting types
  • Closed card sort
  • Open card sort
  • Hybrid card sort
• Create a card sort
• Create a classic card sort

 

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About card sorting

• Cards sorts can be set up for desktop and mobile tests and are available with these plans:
  

  Flex plan	Seat-based plan
  Essentials	Startup
  Advanced (add-on) ✓	Professional (add-on) ✓
  Ultimate ✓	Premium (add-on) ✓

• Card sorts support the following image types (up to 2MB):
  • .jpg
  • .png
  • .gif
• Learn more about card sorting in the What is card sorting? article.

 

 

Card sorting types

• Choose from the three card sorting types:
  • Closed
  • Open
  • Hybrid
• Learn more about each type below. 

 

 

Closed card sort

• Closed card sorts present contributors with a set of categories where they are asked to place each card.
• Add each category label in the Categories section and hit Enter to save.
• Add each card option in the Cards section and hit Enter to save.
• Choose to randomize the Cards and/or Categories by checking the corresponding box below each section.
  

 

 

Open card sort

• Open card sorts allow contributors to name the categories where cards will be placed.
• Add each card option in the Cards section and hit Enter to save.
• Choose to randomize the Cards by checking the box below the Cards section.
  

 

 

Hybrid card sort

• Hybrid card sorts present contributors with a set of categories where they are asked to place each card along with unnamed categories that they can name.
• Add the category labels you'd like to appear in the Categories section and hit Enter to save.
• Leave one category option open for contributors to name as they see fit.
• Add each card option in the Cards section and hit Enter to save.
• Choose to randomize the Cards and/or Categories by checking the corresponding box below each section.
  

 

 

Create a card sort

1. Click Create test then Create a test.
   
   
   
2. Select Website.
   
   
   
3. Add your audience.
4. In the Starting Instructions section, enter your Starting URL. 
   
   Pro Tip: Don't have a specific page you'd like contributors to start on? That's ok. Choose the A blank page option.
   
   
5. Use the Scenario field to add context for your task or any further instructions you feel contributors will need.
   
   
   
6. Add your Card sort task from the Tasks and questions section.
   
   
   
7. Choose your card sort type:
   • Closed
   • Open
   • Hybrid
     
     
     
8. Customize your Cards and/or Categories. Note: You must hit Enter after each label to save it.
   
   
   
9. Choose to randomize your Cards and/or Categories by checking the randomize box under each category.
   
   
   
10. Add instructions, if needed, in the Instruction text box.
    

 

 

Create a classic card sort

• Choosing a Classic card sort takes you to UserTesting's card sorting app, ia.usertesting.com.
• Here you will create your card sort activity and then share a link to the card sort in your test plan.
• This option allows you to add images to your card sort, a feature that is not yet available with the standard Card sort task.

 

To create a classic card sort, follow these steps:

1. Click Create test then Create a test.
   
   
   
2. Select Website.
   
   
   
3. Add your audience.
4. In the Starting Instructions section, enter your Starting URL. 
   
   Pro Tip: Don't have a specific page you'd like contributors to start on? That's ok. Choose the A blank page option.
   
   
5. Use the Scenario field to add context for your task or any further instructions you feel contributors will need.
   
   
   
6. Add your Classic card sort task from the Tasks and questions section.
   
   
   
7. Review the new set of instructions listed under Create card sort.
   
   
   
8. Go to ia.usertesting.com.
9. Under Test Details, choose your Test Type:
   • Closed Card Sorting
   • Open Card Sorting
   • Hybrid Card Sorting
     
     
     
10. Add the name of your test to the Name Your Test box.
    
    
    
11. Enter a test description in the Description box.
    
    
    
12. Click Advanced Options to customize the following:
    • Restrictions
      • Limit to 1 participant per computer
      • Allow multiple participants per computer
    • Expiration
      • Toggle On or Off.
      • Set the expiration date when toggled On.
        
        
        
    • Project Results
      • Private
      • Shared
13. Select Save Test Details to move to Cards section.
14. Enter the information you'd like to appear on each card in the boxes provided.
    
     
    • Text only: Type the text in the box.
    • Need more boxes? Select Add Card .
    • Already have a list of each card you'd like in your test? 
      1. Choose Bulk Input .
      2. Past your card information into the Insert Card Values box.
         
      3. Click Fill Card Values .
    • Want to add images as opposed to text?
      1. Select Show/Hide images input . 
      2. Click Choose File for each card to find and select the image from your computer.
         
         
         
15. Click Save Cards to move to the Add Categories section.
16. Under Categories, enter the label for each of your categories in each box.
    
    
    
17. Select Add Category if you need more category boxes.
18. After entering all your categories, click Save Categories to move to the Publish section.
19. Click Publish at the top right to publish your card sort.
20. Copy the public link to your classic card sort.
    
    
    
21. Paste the link in the Card sort URL box.
    
    
    
22. Add instructions, if needed, in the Instruction text box.
    

 

Related content

Want to learn more? Check out these Knowledge Base articles...  What is card sorting? Card sorting with UserTesting: Analyzing the test results	Interested in growing your skills? Check out our University courses... Card sorting Tree testing
Need hands-on training? Find a live, virtual class that fits your needs. Enroll in one of our UserTesting certification programs.	Can't find your answer? Check out our CommUnity forums. Reach out to Support or our Professional Services team.

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