Purpose
Evaluate is where you confront what you built with reality. The aim is to gather evidence: what worked, what failed, what surprised. It’s not about proving, but learning. Intangibly, this stage builds a culture of iteration, transparency, humility, and improvement.
For the organisation, evaluation provides insights into feasibility, impact, user acceptance, risks; it supports decision‑making about next steps, helps avoid costly missteps, and ensures that whatever is developed further is better rooted in reality, not assumption.
Outcome
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Collected feedback from representative users / stakeholders: what worked, what didn’t, surprises.
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Qualitative and/or quantitative measures of usability, acceptability, technical feasibility, risk.
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A refined version of the idea or decision to pivot / stop.
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Updated assumption / risk register; criteria for go / no‑go; recommendations and next steps.
Tools
WWW/AFI (What Went Well / Areas for Improvement) What: Quick feedback framework. How: Collect positives and AFIs on sticky notes. Why: Simple, inclusive, actionable.
Stakeholder Clinics / Feedback not Judgement What: Let real users try prototypes. How: Run clinics with users, emphasise feedback not criticism. Why: Generates constructive, usable insights.
Solution Effect Diagram What: Map ripple effects. How: Diagram direct and indirect effects on culture, workload, ethics. Why: Surfaces unintended consequences.
AI Feedback Loop What: Use AI to critique results. How: Photograph prototype and outputs; ask AI for feedback. Why: Adds external analysis.
Retrospectives / Red-Green Discussions What: Team reflection on process (red = stop, green = continue). How: Use retrospective questions (“What should we start/stop/continue?”). Why: Improves both product and process.
Pre-Mortem What: Imagine the project has failed; identify why. How: Team brainstorms reasons for failure in advance. Why: Surfaces risks proactively.
Inclusion / Bringing our Best Versions What: Check inclusivity of prototype & team conduct. How: Reflect: Did all voices get heard? Did we bring our best selves? Why: Builds culture of respect and improvement.