Judging Criteria

The Student Web Awards has challenging, comprehensive standards. Each Web site is carefully evaluated using the following criteria.

I. Typography & Wording

Is the font selection and the placement of text on each page practical and visually appealing? Is the text well-written?

II. Clarity of Communication

Does the site have a clear message and purpose? Is this message communicated effectively?

III. Aesthetic Integrity

Do the individual graphic elements of the site hold together? Are the pages well-balanced and visually appealing? (For more information, read this article on aesthetic integrity. Adobe PDF; 78 KB.)

IV. Image Quality & Placement

Are the graphics of a high quality? Are the images striking, unique, and memorable? Is the image placement effective, and does it form a visually appealing relationship with other elements of the page?

V. Sense of Place

Is it easy for visitors to discern where they are within the overall structure of the site?

VI. Ease of Navigation

Is the site-wide navigation functional, efficient, and easy to understand?

VII. Functionality

Do the site's features, including navigation, links, JavaScript, and interactive components, function flawlessly?

VIII. Compatibility & Load Time

Is the site completely backwards-compatible? Is the design or layout compromised if the site is viewed at a smaller screen resolution? Is any functionality lost if the site is viewed with an older Web browser? Does the site load quickly and progressively, even with slower Internet connections?

IX. Innovation & Creativity

Is the design truly unique, innovative, and creative?