Evidence and evaluation standard
Testing methodology
How future HydroRigor product evaluations will distinguish plans, observations, specifications, evidence, and conclusions.
1. Define the use case first
A future evaluation should name the intended user, environment, job to be done, constraints, and criteria before a conclusion is formed. A product cannot be meaningfully described as “best” without a stated use case.
2. Label every evidence type
- Manufacturer specification: a published claim that has not automatically been verified by HydroRigor.
- Third-party evidence: information from an identified external source.
- HydroRigor observation: something directly observed under a disclosed test setup.
- Editorial interpretation: a conclusion drawn from the available evidence and its limits.
3. Record a reproducible plan
A hands-on claim requires a named tester, documented methodology, test period, acquisition relationship, and at least one identified HydroRigor observation. Where practical, the record should also cover the setup, comparison baseline, instruments, criteria, anomalies, and limitations.
4. Report limitations and updates
Results must not be generalized beyond the evidence. Supplied, loaned, or discounted products require a separate acquisition disclosure, and meaningful retests or product changes should be reflected in the update history.