SITE EVALUATION WORKSHEET

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION

Site name:	_______________________________________________	
URL:	_______________________________________________	
Purpose of evaluation:	_______________________________________________	
Evaluated by:	_______________________________________________	
Date:	_______________________________________________	
Time:	_______________________________________________	
First Impression:— [ 1 (poor) – 5 (excellent) ]	_____________________________	
General Comments:	_______________________________________________	

Navigation Pretest
Print the page or do not touch anything. Identify clickable areas on the screen by inspection:
Number of believed clickable areas:	___________________________________	
Actual number of clickable areas: 	___________________________________	
Accuracy: 	__________________________________________________________	
Comments:	__________________________________________________________	

Identity Pretest
Based solely on information presented, identify site owner and describe general type of site:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Purpose Pretest
Based upon quick inspection, identify the basic points of the site. What basic functions would it likely provide?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Audience Pretest
Based upon quick inspection, consider who the audience for the site would be:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

GENERAL SITE CHARACTERISTICS

Site Structure
Is a site diagram provided?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are there any broken links in the site? (Use a tool.)
	___ Yes
	___ No
If yes, are they broken links to external sites or internal pages?
	___ Yes
	___ No
	___ Both
What is the maximum page depth in the site (clicks from the 
home page)?
_______________________________________________________________________
Are there orphaned files in the site?
	___ Yes
	___ No
Are there clear entrance and exit pages to the site?
	___ Yes
	___ No
If yes, describe: _____________________________________
Does the site use pop-ups?
	___ Yes
	___ No
If yes, in what situations?
_______________________________________________________________________

Visuals and Layout
Describe the visuals used in the site:
_______________________________________________________________________
Do you like the visuals?
	___ Yes
	___ No
Why or why not?
_______________________________________________________________________
Are the visuals purely decorative or do they add to the site’s function or information?
	__ Only decoration
	__ Improve function
Print out the home page as well as a sub-page and content page. Mark up the printouts to illustrate previous answers and attach to report.

How is the screen contrast  [ (poor) 1–5 (excellent) ]?
_______________________________________________________________________
If poor, describe why:
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe text size
	__ Too small
	__ Just right
	__ Too large:
Make browser text size larger or smaller using the browser.
Does the text change size?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Does the layout still work with text modifications?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Resize the browser very large or very small.
Does the layout still work?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Do the text or images scale with the window size?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Is the layout width static (stays the same size) or does it grow with the screen size?
	__ Static
	__ Stretchable
If the site has a static width, does the page fit or is there rightward scrolling at:
	640 x 480?
		__ Fits
		__ Scrolls right
	800 x 600?
		__ Fits
		__ Scrolls right
	1024 x 768 and greater?
		__ Fits
		__ Scrolls right
With respect to vertical screen size, does the primary navigation fit on screen at:
	640 x 480?
		__ Fits	
		__ Scrolls off
	800 x 600?
		__ Fits
		__ Scrolls off
	1024 x 768 and greater?
		__ Fits
		__ Scrolls off
Note: You may want to perform this test at resolutions other than those mentioned, depending on your target platform.

Do pages print correctly as is, or is a special print feature provided?
	__ Prints correctly without special print page
	__ Prints correctly with special print page
	__ Doesn’t print correctly
If a special print feature is provided, describe:
	__ Special printer page
	__ Printer style sheet
	__ Adobe Acrobat
	__ Other:
	_______________________________________________________________________
What kind of images are used in the site?
	__ GIF
	__ JPEG
	__ PNG
	__ Other
	_______________________________________________________________________
Are the images generally used correctly (e.g., GIF for illustrations, JPEG for photos)?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are the images optimized properly? (e.g., small file size, safe colors)?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are there image execution problems (e.g., color matching, seems showing in 
background tiles, etc.)?
	__ Yes
	__ No
		Describe: ____________________________________
Is ALT text used for images?
	__ Yes
	__ No
	__ Partially
Is the site usable without images on?
	__ Yes
	__ No
	__ Partially

General Content Statistics
Approximate number of content pages in the site:
_______________________________________________________________________
Percentage of content pages in site: (content pages/total pages)
_______________________________________________________________________

Content Qualities:

Is there enough detail to answer simple user questions?
	__Yes
	__ No
Is there enough content detail to answer complex user questions?
	__Yes
	__ No
Does content appear accurate and truthful?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If no, describe what suggests this belief:
_______________________________________________________________________
Are there obvious misspellings in the site?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are there egregious spelling errors such as misspellings in buttons or headlines?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are there obvious grammar or usage errors in the site?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe these errors: (e.g., fragments, run-ons, heavy use of acronyms without explanation)
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe the tone of content in the site (e.g., playful, business like, serious, humorous)
_______________________________________________________________________

Does the tone of content fit what is presented?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If no, describe why not:
_______________________________________________________________________
Is content updated on the site?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Is update necessary?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Answer the following questions only if content is being actively updated:
If content requires update, is it fresh?
	__ Yes
	__ No
	__ Partially
On average how often does it appear the content is updated?
	__ Daily
	__ Weekly
	__ Monthly
	__ Yearly
	__ Other
How was freshness determined (copyright, label of last update, etc.)?
_______________________________________________________________________

TECHNOLOGY USAGE

HTML
Version(s) used: 
	__ HTML 2.0
	__ HTML 3.2
	__ HTML 4.0 Transitional 
	__ HTML 4.0 Strict
	__ XHTML Transitional
	__ XHTML Strict
	__ No consistent compliance
Proprietary tag use:
	__ Yes
	__ No
Home page validation:
	__ Pass
	__ Fail
	Comments:		_______________________________________________________________________
Sub page validation:
	__ Pass
	__ Fail
	Comments:		_______________________________________________________________________
Style of HTML (e.g., tag case, formatting, comments, etc. [ (poor) 1–5 (excellent) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
HTML style consistency [ (poor – many styles) 1–5 (excellent – strict guidelines) ] 
_______________________________________________________________________
Method of creation:
	__ By hand
	__ Editor
	__ Editor(s) used:  ___________________________________
	__ Translator (e.g., Save as…) - From what: ______________
	__ Dynamically created / Method: ______________________

CSS
Version(s) used:
	__ CSS1
	__ CSSP (Positioning features)
	__ CSS2
	__ CSS3
Proprietary properties:
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, provide examples:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Do all CSS rules work correctly?
	__ Yes
	__ No
CSS rules inclusion method(s):
	__ Linked style sheet
	__ Document-wide style sheet
	__ Inline style
Quality of rules (e.g., simplicity, style, naming) [ 1 (poor)–5 (excellent) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
CSS use consistency: [ 1 (poor, many styles)–5 (excellent, strict guidelines) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
Method of creation:
	__ By hand
	__ Editor / Editor(s) used: _____________________________
	__ Translator (e.g., Save as…) From what: _______________
	__ Dynamically created / Method: ______________________
Compatibility: (CSS compatibility with browsers)
	__ Site works only for latest CSS browsers.
	__ Site uses CSS conservatively.
	__ Site uses browser-specific CSS based upon viewer.
Degradability: (works without CSS)
	__ Perfect degradation
	__ Degradation with cosmetic or subtle differences
	__ Degradation with serious differences in appearance
	__ Significant layout problems without CSS

XML
XML Used? 
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, where is it used (client side or server-side)?
_______________________________________________________________________
If present, what is it used for?
	__ Data storage
	__ Document structure
	__ Data exchange
	__ For presentation using CSS or XSL
Is the name of XML language used? If not, indicate “unknown” or “proprietary”.
_______________________________________________________________________
Is DTD available?
	__ Yes
	__ No
DTD clarity: [ 1 (complex and confusing)–5 (simple and commented) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
Is the site usable with non-XML aware browsers?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If no, describe how dealt with:
_______________________________________________________________________

PROGRAMMING
Server-side Technology
Are server-side programming facilities used?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, which ones?
	__ CGI (using Perl, C, etc.)
	__ Cold Fusion (.cfm)
	__ Traditional Active Server Pages (.asp)
	__ ASP.NET (.aspx)
	__ PHP (.php)
	__ Java Server Pages (.jsp)
	__ Server-APIs (ISAPI, NSAPI)	
	__ Other
Describe usage of server-side technologies: (e.g., form processing, dynamic page generation, etc.)
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe the performance of the server application:
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe any errors encountered:
_______________________________________________________________________
Is a database used in the site?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe how the database is used:
_______________________________________________________________________

Client-side Scripting: JavaScript
Is JavaScript used?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe uses:
_______________________________________________________________________
How are scripts included?
	__ Directly in document
	__ Linked to external .js file
Scripts function properly?
	__ Yes
	__ No
JavaScript version(s):
	__ 1.0
	__ 1.1
	__ 1.2
	__ 1.3
	__ Other
JavaScript style—[ (convoluted and not commented) 1–5 (clear and well commented) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
Is the JavaScript degradable? (works on older browsers or without scripting)
_______________________________________________________________________

Client-side Component Technology
Java
Are Java applets used?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe how used and applet(s) name:
_______________________________________________________________________
Is the Java degradable? (warning messages or alternate for no Java)
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are there functionality problems (e.g., errors)?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Are there performance problems?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Are there security problems?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________

ActiveX
Are ActiveX controls used? (e.g., Flash)
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Does the site work properly without ActiveX controls?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are there functionality problems (e.g., errors)?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Are there performance problems?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Are there security problems?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________

Netscape Plug-ins
Are Netscape plug-ins used? (e.g., Flash)
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe how they are used and the plug-in(s) name:
_______________________________________________________________________

If a plug-in is not present, is assistance provided to obtain it?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Does the site work properly without plug-ins?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are there functionality problems? (e.g., errors)
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Are there performance problems?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Are there security problems?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________

Cookies
Are cookies used on the site?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe their use:
_______________________________________________________________________
If cookies are used, does the site work with cookies support off?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Is a privacy policy used on the site explaining cookie use?
	__ Yes
	__ No

BROWSER SUPPORT
Does the site work in Netscape or Mozilla? What versions?
_______________________________________________________________________
Does the site work in Internet Explorer? What versions?
_______________________________________________________________________
Does the site work in Opera? What versions?
_______________________________________________________________________
Are there other browsers supported?
_______________________________________________________________________
Does site identify a browser that it does not work in?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If compatibility problems exist, are they explained in the site?
	__ Yes
	__ No

NAVIGATION
Placement of navigation elements:

Primary Navigation (select one or more):
	__ Top
	__ Bottom
	__ Left 
	__ Right
Secondary Navigation (select one or more):
	__ Top
	__ Bottom
	__ Left
	__ Right
Tertiary Navigation (select one or more):
	__ Top
	__ Bottom
	__ Left
	__ Right
Does the site use assistance links (breadcrumbs)?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Consistency of navigation placement: [ 1 (random)–5 (very stable) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
Comments on navigation placement:
_______________________________________________________________________
Is a navigation hierarchy used? Describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Average number of navigation items per page:
_______________________________________________________________________
What is the average number of navigation items per navigation cluster:
_______________________________________________________________________
Are alternate forms of navigation provided? Describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Does navigation in the site rely on the back button?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Is a “back-to-top” button used on longer pages which require the user to scroll?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Navigation label clarity: [ 1 (unclear)–5 (very clear) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
Are scope notes used for labels?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are tool tips used?
	__ Yes
	__ No
What is the organization of navigation labels?
	__ Alphabetical Importance
	__ Random
	__ Other

What forms of navigation feedback are employed?
	__ Font type
	__ Font size
	__ Color
	__ Position
	__ Looks pressable
	__ Underlined
	__ Rollovers*
	__ Sound
	__ Other
Is the navigation feedback useful?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Discuss: 
_______________________________________________________________________
If a link results in a download (e.g., PDF), is the size of the download clearly indicated?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are link colors modified from the blue, red, and purple defaults?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, is the color combination logical?
_______________________________________________________________________
Are link colors used consistently throughout the site?
	__ Yes
	__ No
How is location indicated?
	__ URL
	__ Page label
	__ Deselected labels
	__ Depth gauge
	__ Color
	__ Design style
Are frames used?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, are they for navigation or layout?
_______________________________________________________________________
Can pages be bookmarked?
	__ Yes
	__ No

Search

Does site have an internal search system?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If no, should one be included?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Why?
_______________________________________________________________________
How is search accessed?
	__ Within page
	__ Separate page
	__ Both

Search integrated with design?
Type of search
	__ Free text
	__ Parametric
	__ Both
If parametric used, describe search parameters:
	__ Search forms
	__ Simple
	__ Advanced
	__ Both
Clarity of search form—[(poor) 1–5 (excellent)]
_______________________________________________________________________
Are instructions for search form included?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Do negative queries provide reasonable result and help?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Do positive queries provide reasonable results?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Is refinement of queries easily performed?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Known item searching accuracy [ (poor – not found) 1–5 (excellent - #1 position) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
Is Meta Information provided (for internal and external search engines) on all pages?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, what meta tags are used?
	__ Title
	__ Description
	__ Keywords
	__ Others

Navigation Aids
Site map

Is the site map included?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If no, should a site map be included?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Reason:
_______________________________________________________________________
What is the method to access the site map?
	__ Link on all pages
	__ Link on one or few pages
	__ Help system or search engine
What is the scope of the site map?
	__ Whole site
	__ Most pages
	__ Main sections
	__ Unknown scope
What is the format of the site map?
	__ Graphical
	__ Text
Is the site map static or dynamic?
	__ Static
	__ Dynamic
If static, is it up to date?
	__ Yes
	__ No	
Comments on site map:
_______________________________________________________________________

Site Index
Is a site index used?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If no, should a site index be included?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Reason:
_______________________________________________________________________
What is method to access site index?
	__ Link on all pages
	__ Link on one or few pages
	__ Help system or search engine
What is the scope of the index?
	__ All topics
	__ Main topics
	__ Unknown selection of topics
Is the index static or dynamic?	
	__ Static
	__ Dynamic
If static, is it up to date?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Comments on site index:
_______________________________________________________________________

Glossary
Is the glossary included?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If no, should a site term glossary be included?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Reason:
_______________________________________________________________________
What is the method to access glossary?
	__ Link on all pages
	__ Link on one or few pages
	__ From the help page
Number of terms in glossary:
_______________________________________________________________________
Comments on glossary:
_______________________________________________________________________

Form Usage
Are required fields clearly indicated in the form?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Are clear messages and indicators used to show errors?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Is the first field focused on the form?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Does the form use accelerator/access keys?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Does the form support tabbing well?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Does the form support browser auto-fill in?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Is an adequate confirmation page provided upon form submit?
	__ Yes
	__ No

Help and General Site Error Handling

Does the site deal with common DNS typos? (e.g., ww.xyz.com, wwww.xyz.com)
	__ Yes
	__ No
Is there helpful information with broken links (404 errors)?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Is there helpful information when a page has been moved?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Does the site deal with browsers, technology, or screen characteristics outside its optimal range?
	__ Yes
	__ No

If yes, how? (clear error message, alternate site, adapted pages, reasonable degradation of pages)
_______________________________________________________________________
Does the site provide an online help page?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________________________
Does the site provide basic contact information?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Does the site provide contact for Web-specific problems?
	__ Yes
	__ No
Does the site provide an online Help System?
	__ Yes
	__ No
If yes, describe: 
_______________________________________________________________________

Delivery
What operating system is used on the Web server?
_______________________________________________________________________
What Web server software with version number is being used?
_____________________________
Where is the site being hosted? 
	__ Internal
	__ Externally
Who is the closest “upstream” Internet Service Provider from server?
_______________________________________________________________________
What is the amount of bandwidth available for the server if known or determinable?
_______________________________________________________________________
Rate the responsiveness of the server—[ 1 (very slow)–5 (very fast) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
What is the largest page in the site, byte wise?
_______________________________________________________________________
What is the average page size in the site?
_______________________________________________________________________
What are the theoretical download times for the average and largest pages at:
	Modem speeds (56Kbps) _______________________________
	ISDN (128Kbps) ______________________________________
	Cable (600Kbps +) ____________________________________
	DSL/T1/Ethernet (1Mbps +) _____________________________
Are real download times similar? 
	__ Yes
	__ No
If no, provide times for tested speeds:
_______________________________________________________________________

THE FINAL SCORE

Final Score—[ (Dislike) 1–5 (Like a lot) ]
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Key reasons for final score:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________