Tools to Evaluate Web Design
|
|
Generations Table:
|
The 4 Generations of Web Sites are as follow:
|
| Generation Name |
The Qualifying Questions |
|
Generation 1
|
| 1. Is the web site reminiscent of a report or book?
|
| 2. Does the site consist mostly of text with little, if any, graphic enhancement?
|
| 3. Does it seem like the text has been transferred, essentially intact,
from printed documents?
|
| 4. Does the text appear to be scanned in and only minimally adjusted
to the additional capabilities of the web?
|
| 5. High-quality generation 1: Is a site primarily textual but in a way
that makes full use of the capabilities and advantages of the
hypertext medium, supporting users in their independent and personalized
use of the material?
|
|
|
Generation 2
|
| 1. Are virtual and/or other elements used as an integral part of the
design of the site?
|
| 2. Do the graphic and other multimedia enhancements increase the appeal
of the site?
|
| 3. Do the visual and multimedia elements load quickly enough that you are
not frustrated with awaiting their arrival?
|
| 4. Do the sound and music elements (also the animations) stop “their”
looping before their interest and value has passed and they
begin to become annoying?
|
| 5. High-quality generation 2: Are the graphics consistent in theme and metaphor, improving the communication level of the site or otherwise enhancing its appeal?
|
|
|
Generation 3
|
| 1. Am I able to interact with the site?
|
| 2. Am I able to complete a task or work through an idea or plan?
|
| 3. Will the site be of possible value to someone whose needs and
interests are aligned with its purpose?
|
| 4. High-quality generation 3: Does the site succeed in enabling me to
fully accomplish a task that is important to
me, efficiently and without confusion or backtracking?
|
|
|
Generation 4
|
| 1. Am I able to participate meaningfully in the value and “life” of the site?
|
| 2. Do others participate in ways that allow them to share and “have a voice”?
|
| 3. Does the site have a dynamic “feel” to it, as though its existence is,
in itself, creating opportunity for the
valuable gathering of knowledge and sharing of experience?
|
|
4. High-quality generation 4: are contributions to the site coherent and
constructive? (Usually indicates that the site has a “moderator”
who is responsible for judging the appropriateness of various
interactions and contributions.)
|
|
|
|
