Summative evaluation also takes place once the exhibit or program is open to the public. However, it differs from Remedial evaluation in that it evaluates how well the exhibit or program achieves its goal - do visitors understand the intended message? This step in the evaluation process provides the opportunity to evaluate the exhibit or program's efficacy, and it serves to inform future exhibit and program planning. Often this evaluation is conducted by an external evaluator and is usually required by the funding source.
