Websites will be evaluated on a point system.

Judges will assign points in these four areas:

• Creativity/Original Ideas (25 Points)
  • The website is creative
  • Ideas fit into the specific theme listed for each contest
  • The website conveys personality
  • The information and ideas are in-depth and not superficial
    
    
• Communication (20 Points)
  • Your homepage answers the question, “What is this Place?”
  • The content is organized and easy to read
  • Each page has a distinct purpose
  • The most useful and relevant content is easy to find
  • The website uses a tone of voice that is appropriate to the audience
  • Pages have clear headlines and headings
    
    
• Organization/Navigation (20 Points)
  • A consistent, reliable  navigation system exists
  • Links and navigation provide flow to meet the website’s goals
  • The website has an effective and consistent layout across all pages
  • There is a logical order to page components
  • Pages do not feel cluttered (Adequate “white space” or “negative space” is used)
  • Links are clear and explicit (The user knows what clicking a link will do and can
    clearly differentiate hyperlinks from the content)
  • Users knows where they are at all times
    
    

	MORE RESOURCES  Frequently Asked Questions  Blink Information Flyer  Sample Winning Websites

• Visual Presentation/Design (35 Points)
  • The website is consistent in the use of colors, shapes, patterns, layouts, and font styles
  • The website has a distinct and unique visual theme
  • The website has an effective and visually appealing color scheme
    (uses color to express personality, differentiate, frame, and highlight content)
  • Contrast is used effectively (uses contrast to differentiate elements,  emphasize
    dominant elements, and de-emphasize lesser elements)
  • Imagery is used to add value to the message (concentrates imagery in the
    site ID/logo, primary content, and primary navigation)
    
    
• Point Penalties
  • Competitors will lose 10 points for each broken link
  • Competitors will lose 15 points for each image or piece of media included in
    their website that violates copyright law or is inappropriately cited
    
    
• Additional Requirements
  • Pages can be HTML only (ASP and PHP files will not be viewed by judges).
  • The website folder that contains your submission should be converted into a single .ZIP file with the default.html or index.html page in the root of that folder. To convert your entry, right-click on the folder with all the files inside and choose, “Send To, Compressed Folder.”
  • The website must be created using Microsoft^® Expression^® Web software.
  • The final .ZIP file must be less than 10MB.
  • Judges will view the websites using Internet Explorer 7, 8 or 9. Students should preview and test their websites using one of these browsers.