Element 3: Objective Statement

This is similar to the purpose statement, but is a specific statement of web objectives. If the purpose statemnet is "this is what we'll do", the objective statement may be defined as "this is how we'll do it". The objective statement tends to be longer than the purpose statement, and although the purpose statement stays the same, the objective statement may change as new information abvout the domain or audience becomes available.

For example, from the CMC purpose statement mentioned previously, the statement "help people share resources" can be used to generate a specific set of objectives as follows;

• Provide a list of resources with links to the following;
  • Major online collections of CMC-related material
  • Bibliographies
  • Academic and research centres related to CMC
  • Online journals

Over time, planners may find that more forums and resources become available, and the objective statement will expand accordingly. Having a well-planned objective statement also gives planners a head-start on the next element - the domain information.