Let's stop throwing spaghetti at the evaluation wall.

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Hi Reader,

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I was leading a survey design workshop the other week when someone leaned back in their chair, paused, and said, “I can think of the questions I’m asking… but I have no idea what the bigger question is.”

I’ve heard some version of that line more times than I can count. And honestly? It’s one of my favorite moments—because it means we’re moving beyond checking boxes and starting to look at the bigger picture.

In so many organizations, evaluation starts with good intentions. We write a survey here, conduct a few interviews there, keep a running spreadsheet of attendance or referrals. And then we cross our fingers and hope that the data adds up to something meaningful. But here’s the thing: Evaluation isn’t just about collecting stuff. It’s about asking the right questions, on purpose.

That’s where the Six Types of Evaluation Questions come in. Think of them as a choose-your-own-adventure map for figuring out what you actually want to learn. There’s process (how things are being implemented), outcome (what’s changing as a result), appropriateness (whether this is even the right fit), effectiveness (are we making the impact we intended?), cost-effectiveness (is it worth what we’re putting in?), and efficiency (how well we’re managing time and resources).

You don’t need to hit every single category, but it helps to know where you’re focusing—and where you might be missing something important. Most organizations tend to emphasize process and outcome questions, which makes sense: they’re easier to answer and often align with what funders are asking for. But there’s so much value in pausing to ask, “Are we asking the questions that we actually care about, too?”

So if you’re someone who’s ever cobbled together evaluation questions based on old grant reports, internal hunches, or half-remembered logic models, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong. But you do deserve a strategy that feels intentional, aligned, and yes—even energizing.

I’ll be back in your inbox in two weeks with a follow-up guide to actually writing strong evaluation questions, including tips for making it a team sport (hint: bring your sticky notes). In the meantime, if you’ve got a few draft questions you want feedback on, hit reply—I’m always happy to help. And if you’re looking for a deeper kind of support—something that helps you and your team build confidence, capacity, and clarity over time—that’s exactly what my Evaluation Coaching is for.

Whether you're just getting started or trying to untangle years of mismatched data collection, my coaching packages (available in 6-, 9-, or 12-month formats) are designed to give you a dedicated thought partner. Together, we’ll formalize your evaluation approach, co-create tools that work, and equip your team to carry the work forward with confidence.

Curious to see if it’s the right fit? Book a quick intro call and let’s talk through it.

Warmly,
Kayla
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Meet Kayla Founder of Bridgepoint Evaluation. Adjunct professor. Aspiring gardener, novice hiker. Believes evaluation should be useful, human, and even fun.