Summary
In this lesson, we have taken a look at the range of evaluation methods available for gauging the results of each step in GIS Design. As you have seen, there are many types of evaluation, and evaluations can be formal or informal depending on the time/capital resources you have at your disposal. There are simple low-cost methods you can use that require no technology at all, and there are more advanced methods that require substantial technology investments. In our reading assignment, you encountered a couple of (quite different) academic studies on evaluating GISystems that hopefully suggest some good ideas (and some limitations) you can take to heart with respect to evaluations you might conduct in your future work.
This week, we covered an emerging technology trend of eye-tracking - an expensive evaluation option, but one that yields some very interesting and compelling results on what users see as they interact with software. It wasn't very long ago when eye-tracking systems were so complicated, expensive, and unwieldy that all but a few eye-tracking expert academics were practically excluded from using the method.
The next lesson, you will present your proposal to your colleagues and gain valuable insights for your future presentations.
Tell us about it!
If there is anything in the lesson materials that you would like to comment on, or add to, feel free to post your thoughts in the General Questions Discussion Forum in Canvas. For example, what did you have the most trouble with in this lesson? Was there anything useful here that you'd like to try in your own work? While you are there, feel free to post your own responses and comments if you are able to help out a classmate.