Post on 01-Nov-2014
description
SORTING OUT THE ANSWERS
MICHIGAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 2009
A Case Study of the Clinton-Macomb Public Library
What Are You Doing Here?
You want to know what ‘Card Sorting’ is You’re looking to (re)design your website You’re looking for constructive methods for
redesigning The other programs were not of interest to
you You are anti-Buckeye ‘Wii’ are not amused Construction projects this year? You’re
kidding, right? You were born in the 1900s and think FIC goes
in the 800s.
What Are We Doing Here?
Our website had become outdated…
And we needed a kinder, more gentle site.So first, we had to figure out what process to use when creating our new site.
How Do You Get There?
GOOD to HaveMUST Have COOL to Have
WOAH! STOP!How do we organize all this stuff?
Know your elements! Calendar Catalog Social Media Policies
Information Elements
Contact Information Newberry Winners A Link to Local Law-
Enforcement Storytimes Summer Reading Program Volunteer Sign-Up Card Applications Hours and Location(s) Fines and Fees
Organizing all that stuff
Everyone does it differently. Everyone believes that they’re the ones
doing it right. Everyone actually does do it right.
Intuitive Navigation
Fully Conceptualized
Totally Wrong
Card Sorting: What is it?
Sorting cards. Yep, that simple.
The Card Catalogue and AACR2 are classic examples of card sorting
Survey Results
[screen shot of survey we handed out]
OptimalSort.com
90-day subscription is $199• Unlimited sort participants• Unlimited number of cards to sort• Unlimited number of active projects• Results spreadsheet• Library logo
Free!
OptimalSort.com Tour
You can add contextual
information to each card that the user sees when they hover over the
card.
What is Open Sort?
Open sort is when your users group information elements into arbitrary (user-defined) categories.
Can link from anyone of the
cards to get all the categories this
card was placed in.
Open Sort
1 week in October 2008 26 unique and complete responses For the information element – Book Club
Information here are the responses we received:
Fun stuff to do or things that help you and your community.
Do Events & Activities
Reading help
Library Activities
What's Happening?
Closed Sort
Closed sort is when your users group information elements into pre-defined categories.
Going from Open to Closed Sort
Majority rules, go with your gut for organizing information. 10 Categories
Find ItAbout Us
Who We AreChildrenCirculationUsing Your LibraryGet InvolvedServices
TeenWhat's Happening
Closed Sort Categories
Find It About Us Who We Are Children Using Your Library Get Involved Teen What's Happening Research Local Interest Guides Recommendations
12 Categories – wanted to settle on 7
218 Responses completed in November 2008
Now What?
Fake it, ‘til you make it
And Then?
Testing 1, 2, 3
More?
Tweak! Second (and third andfourth) time’s the charm
What Card Sorting Teaches You Really “terrific” ideas aren’t always what
they seem
What Card Sorting Teaches You Categories can be confusing and should
be tested
Polls Are Your Friend
What Card Sorting Teaches You Just because it seems logical, doesn’t
necessarily mean your patrons will get it
Six-Point Checklist
Gather your elements Design an open sort Confirm (or debunk) open sort results
with a closed sort Mock up a site Test site with real users Tweak design and test some more
Tighten it until it squeaks
Questions?
Aaron Green, Technology Manageragreen@cmpl.org
Juliane Morian, Associate Directorjmorian@cmpl.org
Jamie Morris, Community Relations Specialistjmorris@cmpl.org