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last updated: 02/13/02

     What are some of the criteria we might use to evaluate an informational web site? Please feel free to email me your questions, critiques, comments about these criteria.
     (Note: I have modified these criteria from some I used in a Society for Technical Communication online competition in December 1999. --ejc)

• PURPOSE:
  Does it fulfill its purpose?
  Does it display or show the subject's main features?
  Does it inform you of the features or benefits of the subject?
  Is the information presented in a clear and logical format and does it contain the appropriate level of detail?
  Does it seem likely that it will fulfill its purpose for the intended audience? Who IS the audience?

• CONTENT QUALITY:
  Is the content of high quality and is it communicated effectively?
  
  Writing:
      Are the sentences simple, and written in active voice and present tense?
      Is the language clear, concise, and in the appropriate tone?
      Are procedures (if used) presented in clear sequential steps?
  
  Design:
     Do the titles and headings clearly identify the information that follows?
     Are lists, tables, graphics, etc. used to economically replace text, where appropriate?
     Does it provide signposts to orient the user?
  
  Overall quality:
     Do all the elements such as hyperlinks and navigational tools resolve correctly and behave in the expected manner without error?
     Is the content consistent, easy to read, and accurate?
     Is the interface consistent, easy to use, and reliable?

• CONTENT ORGANIZATION AND INTEGRATION:
  Organization/Integration:
     Is the information organized into appropriate chunks or units at the overall site level?
     Is the information organized into appropriate chunks or units within each topic or section of the site?
    Are the individual chunks or units integrated appropriately for easy navigation between the items?
     Are there paths (direct links or text references) to related external documents, applications, or elements?
  
  Table of Contents:
     Are the contents clearly identified in a table or other navigational element equivalent?
     Does the TOC (or other navigational equivalent) provide an easy method for accessing the contents or navigating through branches of information?
  
  Index/Search:
     Where appropriate, is there a well-designed search engine/index with multiple entries that account for variations in terminology (provides adequate synonyms)?
     Can you browse the index easily such as through an incremental search field, alphabet navigation buttons, or other facility?
  
  Navigation:
     Is it easy to find specific information, to navigate through information, and to return to where you started?
     Are navigational aids present and are they used consistently throughout the entry?
     Does the navigation system balance flexibility of movement with the danger of overwhelming the user with too many options?
  
  Ease of Use:
    Is the interface obvious, easily interpreted, and consistent?
    Is the information provided to assist or orient the user, and if so, is the information effective?

• COMMUNICATION MEDIA:
  Are the communication media used effectively and appropriately?
  
  Platform Conventions/Features:
     Does it appropriately use the standard conventions and features of the platform?  (Does the design plan for variation in browsers, provide the ability to download required plug-ins, account for both with graphics and text-only viewing, etc.?)
  
  Speed:
     Is it reasonably responsive?
     Is it designed to optimize performance?
  
  Interactivity:
     Does it offer choices and can the user control the pace?
     Can the user omit or repeat parts?
     Can the user exit easily?
     Can the user make errors, and are errors indicated constructively?
  
  Screen Design:
      Are the screens easy to read?
     Does the design minimize the need to scroll where possible?
     Is the design appealing and inviting?
     Does the design follow CARP principles?
  
  Graphics:
     Are graphics used effectively to replace words or communicate concepts?
     Are graphics attractive and of high quality?
  
  Media:
     Are media elements easy to use?
     Are media elements of high quality?
     Are media elements used appropriately? Do they enchance the communication objective of the site?
     Do the media elements balance with each other and the content?

   What are other criteria that might be useful? Email your thoughts to me. --ejc

elizabeth j. cooper
  Office: Hibbs 315
  Hours: M 1-3:30; W 2-5
     and by appointment
  Phone:828-1331
  Email: ecooper@vcu.edu