As I mentioned last week, I'm currently writing about analysis. And in order to do so, I'm putting together an example to demonstrate analysis methods, cluster diagrams and more.

I'm also planning on including a chapter on card sorting tools, and will be critiqueing each available tool.

I'm not fond of doing more work than I have to, so am combining the two - a card sort using software tools, then using the results in the analysis section.

So I read this draft chapter in a really neat card sorting book, and it said I need participants who are end-users of the product you are developing (that sounds like you!). It also had a sample introduction script that goes something like this (details filled in):

"As part of my role of program chair for the IA Summit, I'm currently looking at different ways to organise some of the information on the IA Summit website. An important part of the project is to make old presentations more available and make sure people can easily find presentations that will help them. One way we learn about this is to do an activity called a card sort, and I'd like you to be involved.

In a card sort, I give you a set of 'cards' that show information on the website and asking you to sort them into groups. I can then look at how you think about the information groupings and how information could be organised.

You don’t need to have any special knowledge, don’t need to do any preparation and there are no right or wrong answers. It should take around half an hour.

This card sort will be run with a range of software tools - some via the internet, some via installed software. You can use whichever tool you prefer."

So, there's the invite. Would you like to be involved? The content is previous presentations from the IA Summit, so I'm looking for people who know about information architecture. You do not need to have been to the summit.

I'll be using these tools at least:

• USort/EZCalc (an old IBM product, needs to be installed)
• Card Sword (needs to be installed)
• WebSort (via the internet)
• Card Zort (needs to be installed)
• UZ Card Sorting (I think via the internet)

I could also post physical cards to people in Australia.

So, if you are interested in helping out, please email me at cardsorting -at- maadmob -dot- net. Let me know which tool you would prefer to use and I'll send out instructions and files.

I will also be making the outputs available in full.