CIT can incorporate the following evaluation techniques when designing and developing Web sites:

Front-end Concept Evaluations

User-centered design involves conducting up-front user analyses to make sure that the navigational flow and organization of the site are designed to meet end-user expectations before the programming of the site gets underway. Techniques for this phase of the design process include: analysis of user requirements, generation of the user interface architecture, creation of alternative user interface prototypes, and testing of the alternative designs with representative end-users.

Usability Evaluations

Usability tests are typically conducted by observing users as they perform a variety of tasks with a prototype or redesigned site. This testing provides insight into problems that users encounter by collecting data on the paths users take to perform a task, the errors they make, when and where they are confused or frustrated, how fast they complete a task, whether they succeed in completing the task, and how satisfied they are with the experience. Usability evaluations are also conducted for people with disabilities.

Focus Groups

Focus group sessions are face-to-face conversations with users that provide feedback on a particular design. These sessions vary from usability evaluations in that the users do not complete tasks, but instead gather to discuss their design preferences and initial reactions to a design.