Website Development in Human Services

Questions to Consider

Professor Rob MacFadden

Faculty of Social Work

University of Toronto

1. What are the objectives of this website?
2. How does the site reflect the values of the organization?
3. How would the developers know if the website is successful?
4. What are the primary messages conveyed by the website?
5. Who are the target groups for this website?
6. How are each of the target groups being addressed and how are their presumed needs being met?
7. Has there been user involvement in the development of this site? What kind?
8. How does the site focus on the target groups in terms of content and messages, level of language and conceptualization, colours, space, font types, interactivity, graphics, pictures, navigation, complexity and other features? Do these seem appropriate for the target groups?
9. What types of functions does the website offer (e.g., information, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, social action, etc.)
10. How interactive is the website?
11. What types of diversity does the website address?
12. How accessible is the website? Who might not be able to use the website or who might use it with difficulty?
13. What ethical issues might be involved in developing this website?
14. How expensive might this website be to develop and maintain?
15. Is there anything missing on this website, from your perspective?
16. What changes might you suggest and what would these accomplish?