Often overlooked: formative evaluation in the development of ScienceComics

• Main Authors: E. Weitkamp, H. Featherstone
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sissa Medialab 2009-10-01
• Series: JCOM: Journal of Science Communication
• Subjects: Science communication: theories and models; Public engagement with science and technology
• Online Access: http://jcom.sissa.it/archive/08/04/Jcom0804%282009%29A04/Jcom0804%282009%29A04.pdf

Formative evaluation should play a key role in the development of a science communication project or initiative. Such research is vital to understanding the needs and interests of the audience or participants; meeting these needs and interests helps ensure the project’s success. However, there can be a temptation to plough ahead without undertaking adequate formative evaluation. Using ScienceComics (www.sciencecomics.uwe.ac.uk) as a case study, this article explores both the challenges and benefits of using formative evaluation to guide project development. It focuses on the actors involved in the formative stages and the impacts these actors had on the final outputs. This evidence is used to develop practical guidance on integrating formative evaluation right from the start.