Critical Questions To Ask When Evaluating Design

"Clean" Design

• uncluttered
• simple - nothing unnecessary
• not too many colors or fonts

Harmony

• Do all elements seem to "belong" together? Do any seem awkward?

Hierarchy of Elements

• Can we visually see what is most/least important?
• Is it clear what we should look at 1st? 2nd? 3rd?
• Is the eye's path around the page clearly directed?
• Does the background compete with the foreground?

Form Supports Function

• Does the appearance agree with/support/complement the content?
• Does the style give the correct mood for the context?
• Do the colors and font choices have appopriate associations with the message?
• Do images and text go together?

Composition

• Is composition balances? If not, is it meaningfully unbalanced?
• Is the layout purposeful, or random? Are elements aligned or clearly placed according to lines of continuation, a grid, or in a balanced or proportional configuration?

Type

• Is type readable and does it flow clearly?
• Is there enough empty space around type (or other graphic elements)? Too much space?

Color

• Do color choices go well together? Or if clashing colors are used, is it for a purpose?

Meaning

• Is the message clearly understood?
• Is it correctly tailored to the appopriate audience?

Presentation

• Is it polished and professional with no glaring errors?

Student design examples for evaluation