Observatory method

Signals with a paper trail.

The observatory is an editorial monitoring project, not a ranking or a security certification.

Six signal groups

• Performance: separate field metrics from a single synthetic run.
• Mobile: test the primary task, layout, and touch behavior.
• HTTPS: record transport protection without treating it as a complete security audit.
• Accessibility: combine automated clues with human review and WCAG context.
• Technologies: publish only detectable and defensible signals.
• Change: keep dated observations together so evolution is visible.

Evidence boundary

A named business observation needs a public URL, timestamp, raw checks or screenshots, and a right-of-reply path. V1’s pilot rows are deliberately labeled as a framework and do not present a universal score. The source plan and research record remain in the repository.

Method references include Google Search Central, W3C WCAG 2.2, CISA, and the Hawaiʻi Broadband Office.