In this course, you'll explore card sorting as a powerful tool to understand user mental models and optimize content organization. Card sorting offers a practical approach to enhancing the user experience by improving digital content architecture, ensuring that information is organized in a way that aligns with users’ expectations and cognitive structures.
Card Sorting: Organize Content with Card Sort Techniques
Saving $160 on access to 10,000+ programs is a holiday treat. Save now.
Card Sorting: Organize Content with Card Sort Techniques
Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
7 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Define card sorting and its role in user-centered design
Identify optimal scenarios for applying card sorting techniques
Plan and execute card sorting studies aligned with research goals
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
November 2025
Assessments
11 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 11 modules in this course
In this section, we plan and run an open card sort, analyze clusters to shape information architecture (IA), and contrast results with interviews, surveys, plus existing analysis for evidence-based structures.
What's included
2 videos2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we apply card sorting to surface user mental models, map findings to hierarchical or database IA, and evaluate classification schemes for clear, audience-aligned categories and navigation.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
In this section, we will learn to clarify your research need, pick a broad or detailed card sort accordingly, and shape goals that translate findings into sound design guidance.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we compare open and closed card sorts, analyze differences between team and individual sessions, and decide when manual versus software tools support trustworthy information architecture decisions.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we catalogue site pages, assess content depth, and craft representative, level-matched card sets for sorting, enabling evidence-based information architecture and clearer navigation.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
In this section, we select an unbiased facilitator, calculate participant and team sizes aligned with research goals, and structure balanced groups to secure statistically valid, actionable user-research insights.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we craft concise, user-focused card titles, assemble physical or software-based card bundles, and create category labels for closed sorts, ensuring dependable data for intuitive information architecture.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we will learn to prepare supplies, brief participants, and record card sort outcomes that inform better information architecture and user experience decisions.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
In this section, we turn card-sort results into IA insights by reviewing group patterns, assessing classification schemes, verifying label consistency, and analyzing card placement accuracy to guide evidence-based content organization.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
In this section, we prep data for reliable statistical analysis, apply K-means and hierarchical clustering, and decode multivariate patterns, enabling clear evidence-based recommendations and actionable business insight.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
In this section, we synthesize research inputs to craft adaptable information architecture, define taxonomy and labels, then validate prototypes through user testing rather than depending on a single heuristic.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
Instructor
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
More questions
Financial aid available,