The evaluation will be based on the criteria as listed below which serve as general Web page design guidelines.
It is useful to use a rating from 1 to 5 (1 is poor, 5 is excellent), for the the seven factors Usability, Navigation, Graphic Design, Content, Compatibility, Load Time, and Functionality, in a checklist-based evaluation of Web sites. Note that usability is the preferred term for user-friendly or ease-of-use.
An explanation of the seven factors are:
Usability: i.e. the ease of use/user friendly. Quality of the interaction. Incorporates all other six aspects listed below.
Navigation: Links that are clearly visible, make sense, and are not broken. Also an indication of where one is on a large web site such as Home->Products->Downloads. Answers the two questions: Where am I? Where can I go?
Graphics Design: Appropriate format (jpg (bitmap photos) or gif (bitmap sketches, line-drawings, animations) or flash (vector, animation, video), small picture sizes, number of colours, lossless vs. lossy compression. Could also include page layout here.
Content: good trustworthy frequently updated/changed and clear content that keeps the user engaged/entertained.
Compatibility: with a wide range of browsers (Opera, Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Netscape) and browser versions (Internet Explorer versions 4-7). Also compatible with a wide range of users (age, disability, computer skills, male/female etc). Load time: fast load times (less than 10 seconds). Vector graphics very small (flash). Higher graphics compression with fewer colours, smaller pixel sizes, and lossy compression.
Functionality: supports the user in his/her task. For example bookshop must enable the user to do everything he/she needs to do in an intuitive way to browse and then purchase books. It is the number of functions (things that can be done) available on the site.
The above are wide ranging descriptions - do not follow it to the letter (i.e. test it for all browsers) but understand the general principle and take it forward with you in your career.
