Case Study: NCEI Content Filter Card Sort

The NCEI Web Access Development (NWAD) Team conducted a usability study through the UserZoom platform to test the organization and functionality of a content filter prototype for the NCEI website. The NWAD team conducted this test to replace and refine the current Product page. The team started their usability journey by conducting an open card sort to group terms based on perceived categories.

Card sorts are useful to organize information, and discover how customers expect to see information or content grouped on the website. An open card sort allows users to arrange terms based on similarity and give each grouping a title.

In this case study, we focus on setting up the card sorting test, the challenges recruiting participants, and the steps involved to improve the overall usability of the website’s navigation.