Web site Evaluation Criteria
Access
- Site useful with ASCII browser like lynx
- Prepared in HTML (for text, tables and frames) and GIF (graphics)
formats
- Parts should not take too long to load
- Usually possible to reach site
- URL for site remains stable; if changed, is hot-linked to new URL
- Open without fee; or rules for use stated up front
Design
- Use should be intuitive
- Large or complex pages, typically those larger than 10 screens,
should be divided into multiple, smaller files
- Images should not be used for pure decoration, but should help convey
information
- Avoid using client-specific markup so as to be usable by all major
clients
- Every page should have a short, informative, descriptive title
- Documents divided into multiple pages should include document title
and publication date at top of each page
- Pages should have standard footers, including:
- date of last update
- email address or link to email form which can be used to contact
a responsible party regarding the content of a page
- link to appropriate home page
- Individual web pages within site are concise
- Essential instructions appear before links and interactive portions
- If interactions involve private information, they are secure
- Documents should be designed to minimize users' reliance on navigational
aids (e.g., back and forward buttons, history lists)
Content
- Related to function and mission of organization
- Scope and limits clearly stated
- Headings are clear and descriptive
- No use of jargon
- Pages organized by needs of user
- Content and links suitable to expected audience
- Content kept current; out-of-date information removed/updated promptly
- Program/project home pages should be linked to sponsoring organization's
home page
- Care should be taken when linking to sites to ascertain that they
do not link to questionable sites
- Dead links should be removed or changed promptly
- Origin of content documented, verifiable, accurate
- Pages should be checked and links verified before made publicly
available
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