Categories don’t make sense to users
People struggle because internal language is shaping the structure.
Card Sorting Workshop
Run card sorting with real users to see how they group and label content, then build navigation around how people actually think.
Fixed Price
£2,995 + VATor PAYG
Designed for
- One website or digital product
- Content grouping and categories
- User-centred organisation
- Workshop or research activity
- Two-week engagement
Need something different? Larger or more complex projects are usually better suited to a bespoke engagement.
How do I know if my project is the right fit? ↓What a card sorting workshop actually is
Users don’t organise information the way organisations do. That’s exactly why Card Sorting works.
A Card Sorting Workshop helps you understand how people naturally group, label and organise information.
Rather than designing categories around internal teams or assumptions, the engagement explores users’ mental models so navigation and information architecture decisions can be shaped around how people expect to find things.
You’ll leave with clearer evidence for how information should be grouped, labelled and structured.
Common problems
Teams disagree on how to organise content
Card sorting creates evidence for grouping and labelling decisions.
Navigation is being redesigned
Understand user expectations before committing to a new structure.
You need evidence for IA decisions
Use user-centred insight to support content and navigation structure.
Why work with me
Internal structures rarely match users’ mental models.
Teams naturally organise information around departments, systems or ownership. Users organise it around tasks, goals and the words they recognise.
I combine information architecture, UX and user research to design card sorting activity that reveals how people expect information to be grouped and labelled.
You’ll leave with evidence your team can use to make better navigation, taxonomy and content structure decisions.
Is this right for you?
- 01
You’re designing navigation
Understand how users expect information to be grouped before creating menus.
- 02
Content categories feel unclear
Test whether labels and groups match user expectations.
- 03
Teams have different opinions
Use research evidence to move beyond internal assumptions.
- 04
You’re restructuring information
Build a stronger foundation before redesign or development begins.
What you’ll receive
Kick-off session
A focused discussion to understand the content, users and IA decisions being made.
Card sorting plan
A practical plan covering cards, categories, method and session structure.
Card sorting workshop
A facilitated workshop or research activity to explore how people group information.
Analysis
Findings showing patterns in grouping, labelling and user expectations.
Playback session
A collaborative walkthrough of findings and recommended IA next steps.
Written summary
A concise document supporting navigation, taxonomy or content structure decisions.
What’s not included
- Participant recruitment
- Participant incentives
- Tree testing
- Navigation implementation
- Development support
Example deliverables
01
Card Sorting Workshop report
A structured summary of the method, findings and recommendations.
02
Grouping and labelling analysis
Summary of how users grouped content and interpreted labels.
03
Information architecture recommendations
Practical recommendations for categories, labels and structure.
04
Prioritised action plan
Next steps ready for IA, navigation or taxonomy planning.
Typical timeline
Week 1
Planning and workshop
Kick-off, card sorting preparation and workshop or research activity.
Week 2
Analysis and recommendations
Analysis, playback and recommended information architecture next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of projects is this designed for?
Every Card Sorting Workshop focuses on one website, product or information structure where content needs to be grouped or labelled more clearly. Typical examples include: • Website navigation redesigns. • Product category structures. • Knowledge bases. • Help centre content. • Public sector information structures. Larger or more complex projects are usually better suited to a bespoke engagement.
What’s the difference between Card Sorting and Tree Testing?
Card Sorting helps design a structure by exploring how users group information. Tree Testing validates whether users can find information within an existing or proposed structure.
Can this be done remotely?
Yes. Card sorting can be delivered remotely using moderated sessions or online tools, depending on the objectives and participants.
What happens after the workshop?
You’ll receive findings and recommendations that help your team organise information around the way users naturally expect to find it.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Manchester, UK and work with organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally. Most projects are delivered remotely, although I’m happy to travel for workshops, stakeholder sessions and key project milestones where required.
Do you work remotely?
Yes. Most projects are delivered remotely using Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Zoom. Working remotely allows me to support organisations across the UK and internationally while remaining flexible and cost-effective.
Will I work directly with you?
Yes. Every project is delivered by me. If additional specialist support is ever needed, I’ll discuss it with you first, but you’ll always work directly with me throughout the project.
Can you work alongside our existing team?
Absolutely. Many clients already have designers, researchers, developers or product managers in place. I can provide additional capacity, independent advice or senior support without disrupting the way your team already works.
Do you only work with large organisations?
No. I’ve worked with startups, SMEs, agencies, charities, public sector organisations and global enterprises. Every engagement is tailored to the size, complexity and goals of the organisation.
What if my project doesn’t fit one of your fixed engagements?
The fixed engagements are designed around the most common types of engagement. If your project requires something different, I’ll create a bespoke proposal based on your goals, timescales and scope.
How quickly can you start?
Availability varies throughout the year, but many fixed engagements can begin within one to two weeks. If you have an urgent requirement, let me know and I’ll always do my best to accommodate it.
Do you sign NDAs and work with confidential information?
Yes. Much of my work has involved commercially sensitive products, government services and confidential research. I’m happy to sign NDAs and regularly work with organisations where confidentiality is essential.
Related thinking
Related glossary
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Previous feedback
I had a fantastic experience working with Andy. One of his most impressive achievements during our time at NHS HEE was masterminding a deeply complex information architecture for a new platform that brought together a large number of legacy websites.
Will Parkhouse
Senior Content Designer
If you want to organise information around the way users naturally expect to find it, let’s discuss whether a Card Sorting Workshop is the right place to start.