This is an important aspect of the development of the website There is a need to examine how to judge or measure success.

Basically, is it used and is it useful?

Anecdotal evidence and personal observation is probably of the most help in ascertaining usage. This will come as you observe users and respond to requests. Also valuable are comments, suggestions and other feedback of those who use the site.

There are ways of checking logging and usage. One method is web-tracking software like Extreme Tracking. This can track how many visitors the site has, from which country, which browser they use, what search terms they are using, where they are referred from and many other indicators. This information is very valuable in guiding the development of your site.

The search facility of Freefind sends monthly and weekly reports of search terms.

If the student has access to server logs, they also are of use. Surveys can be useful, although implementation and interpretation are not easy.

Use the Evaluating Web Sites tests on your site.

Also using criteria like 10 Criteria to Evaluate a Website from Management Centre International Limited can be a valuable exercise.

Activity: Evaluation

How will you decide whether the website is effective? In what ways will you assess the usage of the site? What will be easy to use, reliable and easy to interpret?

Activity: Portfolio submission

Produce a portfolio of plans for your website

• based on final draft of the activities which you have completed at the end of each section
• make sure you include your dreams and vision
• an introductory version of your website

Submit the final version of your portfolio and your journal now! Add your contribution dates to the Bulletin Board.