Website Assessment Tool

This website analysis tool works by giving a website 1, 2 or 3 points for each category. The user is able to determine how effective the site is in that assessment area. Points are then added together for a final assessment score, giving the user an overall score as well to help judge the website’s efficacy.

The scoring works as follows:

1 point = Poor: The site is inadequate in this area

2 points = Satisfactory: The site is ok in this area, but issues do exist

3 points = Excellent: The site is very good in this area and no faults could be found

The scoring areas are as follows:

1) Clear and concise use of text; which is both easy to read and understand

2) Good site mapping; allowing the user to browse the site with ease, finding information required without issue, thus making it user friendly

3) Website is designed well for all browsers and screen sizes; with no clipping issues or elements not working due to browser incompatibility

4) Provides help and further information; providing useful links to relevant websites as well as contact details, with ability to comment or request help

5) Is the site reputable and fit for purpose; or does it provide misinformation to users, does it fulfil the perceived objectives of the site, and does it use inappropriate advertising or pop-ups

6) Functionality; using appropriate technology to maximise the site, e.g. through use of video, RSS, Flash, etc.

The highest score that can be achieved is 18, the lowest is 6. Scoring categories are as follows:

6-9: What a rubbish site – screaming at the screen will do little to appease the flaws that plague it. Likely to cause a rise in blood pressure, just keep searching!

10-13: An average site, useable, but suffers from annoying faults that are likely to cause a tic if used for too long. Will get the job done, but probably worth looking elsewhere, there will be better sites doing the same job.

14-18: A solid site that is easy to use and is likely to give you what you want. No site is perfect but these ones aren’t far off, and are thoroughly recommended!

The sites I reviewed are:

BBC SPORT – FOOTBALL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/default.stm

1) 3

2) 2

3) 3

4) 3

5) 3

6) 3

Total Score: 17

ALLSP: http://www.allsp.com/

1) 2

2) 2

3) 1

4) 1

5) 2

6) 2

Total Score: 10