User Testing & Card Sorting

When creating navigational taxonomies, we all know that no first draft will ever be perfect. Multiple users and multiple perspectives make navigational taxonomies especially difficult to construct. In this session we will talk about the value of engaging taxonomy end users in both the design and testing phases of taxonomy development.

Vivian Bliss will discuss the techniques and value of card sorting as a helpful strategy for building out initial taxonomy structures. Key topics include:

• Determining the correct content
• Closed vs. open cards sorts
• In person vs. online card sorts
• Interpreting and applying the results

Michael Shulha will then continue the conversation with a discussion of the value of taxonomy validation and user testing. Key topics include:

• Developing Personas
• Navigation vs. UI
• Metrics and analysis
• The value of multiple testing iterations