What is the definition of Card Sorting in UX research?

Card sorting is a valuable method in UX research that allows users to organize topics or items into groups that make sense to them. This technique provides insights into how users perceive and categorize information, which is essential for designing intuitive navigation systems and information architectures.

When users participate in a card sorting exercise, they typically work with cards that represent various topics or items and are asked to group them based on their own understanding or categorization. This process reveals users' mental models, which helps designers to create structures that are aligned with user expectations, thereby enhancing usability and overall user experience.

The other options, while related to user interactions and feedback, refer to different practices in UX research. For instance, ranking products based on preference assesses user preferences rather than their organizational logic, providing insights that are valuable but different in focus. Likewise, gathering feedback on design concepts and analyzing data trends serve other distinct purposes in the context of UX research and design.