Findings from card sorting exercises conducted to validate and refine the information architecture — understanding how users naturally categorize and group content in a review platform.

A. Card Sorting Methodology

Study Overview

Parameter Detail
Method Hybrid Card Sort (Open + Closed)
Participants 18 users (matched to persona profiles)
Cards 45 content/feature items
Tools Used Optimal Workshop (remote), Physical cards (in-person)
Sessions 12 remote, 6 in-person
Duration 20–30 minutes per session

Participant Breakdown

Persona Type Count Demographics
Mani-type (Tech-savvy buyer) 6 Age 22–28, frequent online shoppers
Kirana-type (Non-tech buyer) 8 Age 24–35, moderate shoppers, parents
Ravi-type (Seller) 4 Age 28–40, small business owners
Total 18

Cards Used (45 Items)

DISCOVERY & BROWSE

  1. Search products · 2. Browse categories · 3. Trending products · 4. Recently reviewed · 5. Scan barcode · 6. Voice search · 7. Category: Electronics · 8. Category: Beauty · 9. Category: Baby Care · 10. Category: Fashion

REVIEW READING 16. Read reviews · 17. Filter by rating · 18. Filter by duration · 19. Filter by photos · 20. Sort reviews · 21. View review photos · 22. See reviewer profile · 23. View edit history · 24. Read seller reply · 25. Mark as helpful

REVIEW WRITING 26. Write a review · 27. Rate product · 28. Add review text · 29. Upload photos · 30. Select pros/cons · 31. Preview review · 32. Edit my review · 33. Delete my review · 34. View my reviews · 35. Review drafts

VERIFICATION 36. Verify purchase · 37. Connect payment app · 38. Upload screenshot · 39. Forward email receipt · 40. Enter transaction ID

ACCOUNT & SETTINGS 41. My profile · 42. Notification settings · 43. Privacy settings · 44. Connected accounts · 45. Help & support

SELLER FEATURES S1. Seller dashboard · S2. Reply to reviews · S3. Request reviews · S4. View analytics · S5. My products

B. Open Card Sort Results

Most Common Category Groupings

User-Created Category Frequency Cards Commonly Placed
"Find Products" / "Search" 16/18 (89%) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7–10
"Reviews" / "Read Reviews" 18/18 (100%) 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25
"Write Review" / "My Reviews" 17/18 (94%) 26–35
"Verification" / "Prove Purchase" 14/18 (78%) 36–40
"Settings" / "Account" 18/18 (100%) 41–45
"Seller Tools" 4/4 sellers (100%) S1–S5