> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ruler.nl/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ruler.nl/legal-framework/assessing-design-and-effectiveness.md).

# Assessing design and effectiveness

How to record whether your organisation complies with a topic, using control measures or a written assessment.

An assessment answers two questions about one topic: do we have something in place for this (design), and does it work (effectiveness). You answer them on the **Design and effectiveness** page, which opens when you click the **Design** or **Effectiveness** block on a [topic page](/legal-framework/topic-page.md).

<figure><img src="https://3147355061-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6EN6kULBhEjCcyc8iw1L%2Fuploads%2FMRYatpx0kubCdx1B5evj%2Fdesign-effectiveness-page.png?alt=media&amp;token=7f3c9da9-0626-4cb2-a210-d2a92c02cda9" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Design and effectiveness page for a topic</p></figcaption></figure>

## The page at a glance

The page has three sections:

* **Control measures & Assessments**: one table with a row for each control measure linked to the topic, and for each written assessment. Each row shows the **Articles** it covers, a **Design** score, an **Effectiveness** score and a **Log**.
* **Risks**: the risks from your [risk assessments](/risks/risk-assessments.md) that are linked to this topic.
* **Monitoring reports**: the [monitoring reports](/monitoring/monitoring-reports.md) linked to this topic.

Above the table are two buttons: **+ Control measure** to link a measure from your library, and **+ Assessment** to add a written assessment where no control measure applies.

## Assess with a control measure

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Link a control measure

Click **+ Control measure** and choose a measure from your library. If the measure you need does not exist yet, add it first under [Control measures](/control-measures.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open the design or effectiveness score

The linked measure appears as a row in the table. Click its **Design** or **Effectiveness** score. If the measure has already been assessed, the pop-up first shows the current score and explanation; click **Edit** to change it.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Record your judgement

In the pop-up, choose whether you comply, almost comply or do not comply. Use the articles selector (set to **All articles** by default) to indicate which articles of the topic the measure covers. Under **Documents** you can attach a file as evidence (up to 30 MB), and under **Explanation** you write why you reached this judgement.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save

Click **Assess**. The score and the date appear on the topic page and roll up into the theme's bars.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

<figure><img src="https://3147355061-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6EN6kULBhEjCcyc8iw1L%2Fuploads%2FOsvDNqFaTns29Lhj3Eu1%2Fassess-design-popup.png?alt=media&amp;token=9fc3827e-5dd5-4e68-8d75-a5f9d5dad2c1" alt=""><figcaption><p>Assessing the design of a control measure</p></figcaption></figure>

## Assess without a control measure

Some topics are met without a formal policy or procedure, for example because a memo or a decision record is the evidence. Click **+ Assessment**, write your assessment, and add a file if you have one. It appears in the same table and is scored and logged in the same way as a control measure.

## The log

Every row has a **log**. It shows who assessed, added or changed something and when. Use it when you need to reconstruct how a score came about.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Ruler in practice**

Design and effectiveness scores are a high-level indication of compliance. Where you need a thorough view of the compliance risks behind a topic, carry out a [risk assessment](/risks/risk-assessments.md) as well. Risks you link to the topic then show up in the **Risks** section of this page.
{% endhint %}