Card Sort

Purpose

UncoverUnderstand insightshow intoparticipants aorganize teaminformation

This method is useful when time is short for each participant and you have some understanding of existing challenges or organization'sproblem culturespace. 

Qualities

• Mode of Inquiry: DivergentConvergent (Sensemaking)
• Common Usage: WorkshopChallenge Seeking
• Depth of Understanding Gained: Shallow
• Participant Engagement: Synchronous or Asynchronous   
• Researcher Engagement: 1:Many or Passive1
• Setting: In-person or Virtual

Duration 

155+ minutes plusdepending 2on minutesnumber perof team for presentation + feedbackcards

Tool requirements

Worksheets,Cards, Voicecamera, recorder,voice writing utensilsrecorder

Facilitators

Minimum 1

Participants

Minimum 2, 4 is required for use of feedback forms1

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Instructions

Prep

1. CreateIdentify awhat worksheetyou withwant instructions,to criteria,understand andfrom promptsthe (seemethod.

resources).Identify which elements to present to participants on cards. Create athe feedback worksheet to evaluate ideas based on criteria and desirability (see resources)cards.

Execute

1. BreakGive workshopthe participantsparticipant intothe pairsset orof smallcards.

groups.Explain what you are looking for them to do. Request that the participant think aloud during the session to understand the thought process behind their categorizations. If participation is low, people can complete the activityparticipant asstruggles individuals.with Introducethinking thealoud, scenario and give participants 10-15 minutes to develop a plan. Invite each team to share their plan to the whole group. Have each individual evaluate each plan and then rankprompt them for desirability at the end.regularly.

Document

1. RecordTake photos of the completed card sort.

Take notes or record audio of teamthe presentations.participant Transcribeworking audiothrough fortheir analysissort Scan worksheets or transcribe them into text for analysis Transcribe feedback forms for analysisprocess.

External Resources

ExampleHow Activityto WorksheetConduct An Effective Card Sort: A Comprehensive Guide

ExampleCard FeedbackSorting: WorksheetThe Ultimate Guide