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Article
The Usability of Computerized Card Sorting: A Comparison of Three Applications by Researchers and End Users
Journal of Usability Studies (2008)
  • Shannon Riley, Wichita State University
  • Veronica Hinkle, Wichita State University
  • Barbara S. Chaparro, Wichita State University
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.
Keywords
  • electronic card sorting applications,
  • information architecture,
  • cognitive psychology,
  • cognitive anthroplogy,
  • software application development
Publication Date
November, 2008
Citation Information
Shannon Riley, Veronica Hinkle and Barbara S. Chaparro. "The Usability of Computerized Card Sorting: A Comparison of Three Applications by Researchers and End Users" Journal of Usability Studies Vol. 4 Iss. 1 (2008) p. 31 - 48 ISSN: 1931-3357
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/barbara-chaparro/23/