What Is a Formative Evaluation and Why Does It Matter?

Every project evolves as it unfolds. People get involved, ideas shift, and real-world challenges pop up along the way. That’s why it’s important to pause partway through and check how things are going. A formative evaluation helps you do just that.

Formative evaluation is simply about learning as you go. It focuses on what’s working well, what might need adjusting, and how the project can stay on track to deliver the best outcomes. For small and medium projects, especially across regional WA, it’s a practical way to make sure effort and investment are being directed where they’ll make the most difference.

At Wander, we use formative evaluation to help you reflect and adapt in real time, so projects keep moving in the right direction.

Why a Midway Check-In Makes Sense

To See What’s Working (and What’s Not)

A formative evaluation gives you a clear snapshot of progress while there’s still time to act. It highlights what’s running smoothly and where tweaks could make a big difference.

To Keep Stakeholders Aligned

Checking in midway builds shared understanding between partners, teams, and funders. It ensures everyone knows what’s happening, why certain decisions are being made, and how the project is tracking toward its goals.

To Stay Flexible and Responsive

In regional projects, plans often need to shift. Formative evaluation supports flexibility by helping you respond to emerging needs, challenges, or opportunities as they arise.

Our Approach to Formative Evaluation

At Wander Collective, we take a light approach to evaluation. That means focusing on what’s relevant and useful for the scale of your project. We help you reflect on progress without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail or paperwork.

Our role is to draw out insights, connect the dots, and support you to make confident, informed decisions as the project continues.

Building Stronger Outcomes Through Reflection

When you take the time to pause and reflect, you give your project a better chance of success. A formative evaluation isn’t about proving anything; it’s about improving everything.

If you’re delivering a project and want to make sure it’s staying on track, we can help you embed light, meaningful evaluation that fits your goals and your community.