The Technical Review Board (TRB) of InformeDesign is an integral part of its operation. The TRB's overarching purpose is to ensure that the content that populates InformeDesign's Web site supports the mission, goals, and objectives of this online design and human behavior research resource. InformeDesign is a source for knowledge to assist design practitioners engage in evidence-based design. Additionally, the information used must meet the high standards of quality of research, accuracy, composition of contents, and appropriateness in terms of audience. Through InformeDesign, its primary audience, architects, interior designers, landscape architects, urban planners, and urban designers will gain access to knowledge crucial to practice.

Assuring that InformeDesign meets ethical standards of the scientific research community is the focus of all advice presented by the TRB to InformeDesign's Director. Maintaining the integrity and objectivity of InformeDesign is the basis for any advice. Technical issues that the TRB might be asked to offer advice on are noted, but not limited to:

• Assess listing of indices, journals, and published literature being reviewed.
• Review model interpretation methods for abstracts.
• Review protocol for development of design criteria from research findings.
• Review "Commentary" and "Limitations" developed to identify the quality of the research being evaluated by InformeDesign for inclusion in the Web site.
• Review model "voice" for understandability and ease of use by practitioners.
• Review protocol for other features such as Implications, Web Casts, and other continuing education offerings.

The TRB members are installed for three-year staggered terms. The TRB had its initial meeting in May 2002 to discuss and review protocol as determined by the Director. After the initial meeting the TRB meets in person annually. Other than annual meetings, communication is achieved via phone or email. The TRB does not always act as a unified entity. Instead, a single member might be asked to advise InformeDesign on a particular decision, especially as it pertains to the evaluation of a single research report being considered for review and inclusion in the searchable database. In those instances, the TRB member who has the expertise will be called upon by the Director for advice. Unified meetings or consultations with individual members occur on an as-needed basis, as determined by the Director.