Contents of the tool

The evaluation tool consists of six sections and seventeen sub-sections. They evaluate different thematic areas of the website, such as transparency, usability and functionality, users’ rights, aims and targeting, information, contents and interactive services.

Every section and sub-section can be used separately as an individual evaluation tool. Thus it is possible, according to need, to choose one or more thematic areas to be evaluated.

The evaluation tool includes both evaluative and non-evaluative elements:

Non-evaluative checklists

They help to map existing elements on the webpage. The checklists give larger picture of different possibilities and thus help to identify needs and areas for development.

Evaluative questions

These questions ask the evaluator to specify, how well certain details have been carried out or taken into account on the webpage. The final assessment and points are given based on the answers to the evaluative questions.

How to use the tool

1. The assessment is carried out through evaluative multi-alternative questions and non-evaluative checklists.

2. When answering, one must consider the questions carefully. In evaluative questions one option can be chosen from a varying scale.

3. The multi-alternative scales can be in the following forms:

Example scale I:

a. yes
b. no.

Example scale II:

a. strongly agree
b. agree
c. neither agree or disagree
d. disagree.

4. One chooses the most appropriate option(s) by ticking the right box(es).

5. Feedback is given after every sub-section.

6. The results are given as points and verbal feedback. Verbal feedback includes recommendations of measures to be taken in order to improve the quality of the website.