Evaluating Websites
Not all web sites are created equal...
Anyone can make a webpage. For academic purposes, it is important to always consider the following when using the web as part of your research:
Authority - who made the page? Is he/she an expert in the knowledge that is being presented?
Appropriateness - is the information appropriate for your assignment/research? Consider things like language, age level.
Currency - how old is the page? Is the information itself current? When was the page last updated?
Objectivity - is there a bias to the point of view of the page? Is it hidden or overt?
Purpose - what is the purpose of the site? Does it inform, sell, persuade an opinion?
Dalhousie University has an excellent resource to help you evaluate your web resources.
New York Times
Websites
- EcospexEcoSpex™ is a powerful online platform for the verification, documentation, specification and knowledge of sustainable construction materials.
- Interior DesignWebsite/ trade magazine covering the interior design industry.
- New York Times- Times Topics- Interior Design and Home FurnishingsNews about interior design and home furnishings, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times.
- Old House WebIdeas and advice for old house enthusiasts.
- StatCan- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2007General description on some of the functions of an Interior Designer/Decorator (NAICS: 541410).
Associations and Societies
- American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)An organization for Interior Design Professionals.
- The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO)The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) is the only self-regulatory professional organization for interior designers in Ontario. ARIDO has grown to become the largest professional association of interior designers in Canada.
- Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA)The Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA) (formerly Canadian Decorators' Association) is a professional not-for-profit Association representing both Student and Accredited decorators and designers, and Affiliate businesses across Canada.
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)The Council provides the foundation for excellence in the interior design profession by setting standards for education and accrediting academic program that meet those standards.
- Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER)An accrediting agency for interior design programs in colleges and universities.
- International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)An association dedicated exclusively to the art and science of lighting.
- Interior Design Educator’s Council (IDEC)IDEC's mission is the advancement of interior design education and scholarship.
- Interior Designers of Canada (IDC)IDC serves the Canadian interior design industry, advancing the profession through high standards of education, professional development, professional responsibility and communication.
- International Interior Design Association (IIDA)IIDA is a professional networking and educational Association of 13,000 Members in 10 specialty practice forums and 29 Chapters around the world.
- National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)The core purpose of NCIDQ is to protect the health, life safety and welfare of the public by establishing standards of competence in the practice of interior design.
