From the course: UX Foundations: Information Architecture

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Card sort analysis isn't a precise technique

Card sort analysis isn't a precise technique

From the course: UX Foundations: Information Architecture

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Card sort analysis isn't a precise technique

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As you've probably realized, card sorting is not a precise technique. Different participants will sort cards in different ways, and so the cluster analysis and dendrogram won't magically produce the ideal information architecture for you. However, once you start diving into your own data, you'll quickly start seeing the patterns and the strength of the relationships. You'll also be able to cross-reference that with what you heard individual participants say as they performed the sort. Working from the cluster analysis, the dendrogram, the raw sort results, and the notes you took of participants' comments, you can pull together a suitable grouping of items. Of course, there might also be business rules or real-world constraints that mean certain items have to go in certain places. Sometimes, unfortunately, politics gets in the way of a good information architecture. Luckily, you can also use the data from your sessions to help convince management that it's time for a change. I like to…

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