Evaluating Digital Portfolios

Website by James Thornburg https://jathornb.wixsite.com/digital-portfolio	Strong	Could improve	Comments
Are the website’s goals clear? Does the website help readers to understand that this site is about the writer’s journey of studying professional & digital communication?	On the landing page, James lays out exactly what his goals are for the webpage. He also spells out what this digital portfolio is for.	I think it would be better if he had his name prominently on the home page. Instead, the reader must click “About”.	The home page is in-work. I think it would also be helpful to remove those areas that were part of the original template but not being used.
Does the website’s tone and organization match the expectations & attitudes an SU classmate-reader might have toward a colleague showcasing their work in a digital portfolio?	Overall, I believe his site does meet those expectations. It has a professional tone along with a professional photo. Links to relevant information are prominently displayed.	Maybe a brief description of the purpose of the portfolio and direct mention of the course?	Overall professional tone that is commensurate with his professional and student experience.
Does the website's organization strategy help readers quickly find what they are looking for? Key points: -the website should help readers “reach their destination” rapidly -organization should match the reader’s intuitive strategy for finding info -the website should quickly and easily show where to find answers to the questions readers are likely to have -the website should have few “clicks” for readers to travel from the homepage to info they want	Following an existing template, the website is organized in a manner that is clear to the reader. The titles of the links didn’t leave me guessing as to where they would take me. Everything I was interested in looking at was a single click away.	There are a few links that were packaged with the template that are not being utilized. I think those should be removed.
Are there a variety of navigational pathways in the webpage to help readers (with different preferences and needs) find their way from the homepage to info they need?			This is fairly early in the development of our digital portfolios. Given the small amount of content on the website, I think it would be impractical to have a variety of navigational pathways. There is definite potential for those attributes as the website matures.
Is it immediately obvious to a reader what the ‘organizational pattern’ is on the website (for example, by using commonly recognized grid patterns)?	The potential certainly exists for a well laid out grid pattern if desired. However, the organizational pattern is a common vertical pattern that many of us have employed in our own websites.	Remove the panel that are not in use, as mentioned earlier.
Is text easy to read?	The text is in a simple font with good contrast.	The text could be a little larger, there is plenty of room.
Does the website feel unified visually and textually? Is there visual harmony? Are options visually apparent and matched with any textual labels? Are typefaces consistent, colors consistent, and design unified?	Fonts, photo layout and background colors are consistent throughout.	Maybe remove the gradient blue border on the home page?
How does the site measure up when it comes to accessibility? Key points: -images should include alt text/tags -text should be relative sizes or clear and crisp -red/green directives should be also labeled with black text for colorblindness -clickable areas should be large -videos should have some text or captions and functional volume controls			Unable to tell at this point as the site isn’t fully developed yet. I am sure after this weeks readings, we will see much more of the attributes applied to future posts.
How does the site seem to fare when it comes to global readers? Key points: -text simple, avoiding slang, avoiding specific cultural references some may not understand -images generalized and not overly specified to the author’s culture to avoid confusion or even offense -it is helpful to include words with images -text should be simple so non-native speakers can use a translator tool	This website will fare well on the global stage. Very simple design, clear unassuming images and simple language used throughout.		This needs to be considered as the webpage develops and matures.
Does the site seem to follow ethical guidelines? Key points: -do not violate copyright laws -facts checked and/or information reliable and factual, avoiding generalizations or claims that are not backed up -nothing should be worded/visually represented in a way that could be confusing, cause harm or discomfort to diverse readers	As of right now, there is nothing on the website that is not original to the user/designer. Nothing appears to be offensive to diverse readers.		Again, these are points that must be considered as the website becomes more developed and complete.
Overall: is the site reader-centered?	Although the site is limited in content right now, I think that it is reader centered.	More site content is needed. Unused portions of the website template need to be removed.	Overall, good start to the digital portfolio.