Evaluation

Evaluation can be used at any stage of a project and helps to ensure that the team stays on track. Through evaluation, teams can stay on target with their goals, make adjustments to best meet the needs of their target audience, and understand the overall impact of their project. The most effective evaluation is implemented from the beginning of a project and is sustained throughout the project’s life, though evaluation can happen at any stage of a project. Teams who are open to the evaluation results and use them to adjust, adapt, and make positive changes create the best possible products with the highest impact. 

 

The four most common types of evaluations are: 

• Front-End Evaluation

  • Front-end evaluation typically occurs before a project even begins and while it is still in its planning stages and aids in the conceptualization of the project. Front-end evaluation can help inform a team’s logic model and planning process by addressing any knowledge gaps early. 

• Formative Evaluation

  • Formative evaluation most often occurs during the “messy middle” of a project when there are often prototypes of a product or a project. Potential audiences are often given partially formed products to react to and the team then uses this information to make adjustments. For exhibits, website development, or other product testing, rapid prototyping typically occurs during this phase.

• Remedial Evaluation

  • Remedial evaluation happens when there’s still time and money to make tweaks and adjustments. This evaluation can happen in conjunction with a summative evaluation or can take place well after a project is finished when the team has realized that some portions of the project need some minor adjustments. 

• Summative Evaluation

  • Summative evaluation occurs at the end of a project and seeks to record the product’s impact in all its finished glory. These evaluations document and demonstrate the value of the project and any lessons learned can be rolled into future projects.
     

Oberg Research supports all stages of evaluation for institutions.

 

Learn more about the projects we’ve worked on here.