Just like people, organizations or particular projects can also get stuck and realize the need for change, but it’s hard to know where to start (and even harder to actually start). Having a partner to help you reflect on what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how, can help you see your work in a new light and reignite your passion to problem solve. This is what evaluators do every day!
The idea that evaluative thinking is driven by values comes up against more traditional viewpoints that evaluation is best when it is done by a third-party, independent outsiders. The reality, however, is we need more evaluators who sit on the inside and are best able to assess what is happening on the ground in the community. Community-based evaluators are best positioned to bring new perspectives to data that an outsider might miss.
We encourage using HCD with programs and strategies, much like how engineers approach changes to technology. Communications companies, for example, are not creating new ways to communicate every year, but they are constantly thinking about how to better serve those who are using their current devices.
The best strategies result when teams are clear about what worked and what fell short, and then test new approaches in subsequent go arounds based on what was learned.
In a world of uncertainty and instability, evaluation can help us to succeed by making us comfortable with failure.
Using tools like maps, spreadsheets, observations, and intentional reflection as part of your evaluation can improve outcomes, solve problems and prevent new ones.
| Cookie | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
| viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |