---
title: "Success metrics"
source: 18F Guides
source_url: https://github.com/18F/guides
licence: CC0-1.0
domain: engineering
subdomain: 18f-guides
date_added: 2026-04-25
---

## How to do it{#how-to-metrics}

1. Define the outcomes you expect when your design performs well. Invite stakeholders to brainstorm. Your outcomes may be based on your [design hypotheses]({{ "/methods/decide/design-hypothesis/" | url }}) or user needs statements.
1. List ways to measure whether your design is achieving expected outcomes. Consider quantitative and qualitative metrics:
    1. Quantitative metrics are numerical indicators (e.g. time on task, click-through rates). 
    1. Qualitative metrics capture subjective feedback and insights (e.g. usability ratings, user satisfaction).
1. Determine how you will collect data for each metric. This may involve [user interviews]({{ "/methods/discover/stakeholder-and-user-interviews/" | url }}), [usability testing]({{ "/methods/validate/usability-testing/" | url }}), surveys, and/or analytics. Choose metrics that are effective and measurable. 
1. Plan who will be responsible for data collection and how often metrics will be reviewed.
1. Establish benchmarks for each metric. Benchmarks show whether the design meets peoples’ needs or should be further refined.
1. Test your design, and evaluate success based on your measurement plan.
1. Analyze the results against your benchmarks. Identify strengths and areas of improvement. Iterate on the design prototype. Refine metrics if necessary.

<section class="method--section method--section--18f-example" markdown="1" >

## Additional resources{#add-metrics}

- [What we mean by service outcomes and measurement — gov.uk blog](https://hodigital.blog.gov.uk/2017/08/04/what-we-mean-by-service-outcomes-and-measurement/)
- [Focus on Impact: Setting Measures of Success — NYC Opportunity blog](https://civicservicedesign.com/focus-on-impact-setting-measures-of-success-76dd207dbaf0)

</section>

<section class="method--section method--section--government-considerations" markdown="1" >

## Government considerations{#con-metrics}

Surveys of more than nine people require PRA approval. Learn more at [pra.digital.gov](https://pra.digital.gov). Direct observation and non-standardized conversations like semi-structured [interviews]({{ "/methods/discover/stakeholder-and-user-interviews/" | url }})) are not subject to PRA.

Your prototype may not be the only effort being tested. People may be overwhelmed by the amount of data they’re asked to provide. Finding metrics that can be automatically collected can help relieve this burden.

</section>
