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Phase 6: Evaluate

During the final phase, we evaluate the success of a site. Evaluation is a means of finding out what is working well, why it is working well, and what can be done to improve those things that are not working well.

Evaluation can serve other purposes:

• Determine the value of a site or product.
• Confirm that a procedure is being carried out as intended.
• Determine the effectiveness of a system in terms of saved time or reduced costs.

Types of evaluations

We believe in following a process known as formative evaluation. In formative evaluation, developers of communication products obtain data to revise their product to make it more efficient and effective. This process takes place throughout the development cycle.

When a site is released, we may also collect data to determine its effectiveness. This type of evaluation is referred to as summative evaluation.

During summative evaluation, we review test results from users who provide information on the usefulness of the site. We request their feedback on success using a site or product, if they plan to continue to use the site or product, and how they plan to continue using the site or product.

We assess the nature of their comments and determine if the problems are problems of omission, caused by what is not on the page, or problems of commission, caused by the presentation of the information on the page.

How we "show" our evaluation results

When we consult on a project, we often offer an evaluation report that documents the purpose, procedures, results, and recommendations from the study. We may also create a plan to collect and monitor future user feedback.

Action

For more information on how Info.Design can help you evaluate the success of your Web site, direct a question to thom@thomhaller.com.