Technical Considerations in Evaluation Reporting

At Play for Change, we believe that a well-prepared report goes beyond good content; it should also be technically sound and easy to use. Small details in formatting, accessibility, and file setup can make a big difference in how your work is received. Below are key technical points to keep in mind when finalizing reports.

1. Functional Hyperlinks

Always test hyperlinks to ensure they lead to the right pages or files. Broken links can frustrate readers and reduce credibility. If the report will also be printed or shared offline, consider adding short URLs or footnotes for key references.

2. Device Compatibility

Many readers now review reports on phones, tablets, and laptops. Check that your report layout, tables, and visuals display clearly across devices. Avoid wide tables or low-resolution images that lose clarity on smaller screens.

3. Suitable File Format

Choose a format that fits the client’s needs:

• PDFs work best for final versions that shouldn’t change.

• Word documents are helpful if the client will make edits. Before sending, confirm the preferred format and compress large files to make sharing easier.

  
  

4. File Naming and Version Control

Use clear file names that show the report title, version, and date (e.g., xxx Report_March2025.pdf). This keeps versions organized and avoids confusion during reviews.

Paying attention to technical details has a big impact on how your report is understood, shared, and valued. When formatting is clean, links work, visuals display well, and files are easy to navigate, your audience can focus on the insights that matter. Taking a few extra steps to get the technical aspects right helps ensure your hard work lands smoothly and makes the difference it’s meant to make.