Evaluation Criteria: Overall Impressions

A person's first impression of a website is important. If the website loads slowly or is confusing to navigate, some people won't bother to go further.

Start by gaining an overall impression of the website. When you review a book, you may examine the author information, scan the table of contents and flip through the book before beginning to read. The same is true of a website.

After a quick glance at the entry page, examine the links across the top and bottom of the page. Look for a page that describes the website. It's often the "ABOUT THIS SITE" link. Can you determine the scope of the website and its intended purpose? How often it it updated? Does it look "fresh and engaging" or "static and dated"?

Overall Impressions Review

Consider the following questions as you are evaluating the website:

• Is the website purpose and sponsorship immediately clear?
• Is the "look and feel" of the entry page appropriate for the audience and purpose?
• Can users quickly get the "big picture" of what is offered by the website?
• Is the overall site appealing and inviting?
• Are the mission, goals, and objectives of the website clear?
• Who is the primary and secondary audience?
• Does the website address the need of the users?
• Is the website a model for other web developers?
• Does this website offer resources not available elsewhere?