This article describes an evaluation method based on collaboration between the higher education, a care home and university, in a R&D project. The aim of the project was to elaborate modelling as a tool of developmental evaluation for innovation and competence in project cooperation. The approach was based on activity theory. Modelling enabled a development of the curriculum and encouraged stakeholders to participate in the evaluation process. The results verified the features of the method: (1) the contradictions of the joint practice are a central source of evaluation; (2) comprehensive data collection methods are needed; (3) shared tools can be developed in interactive forums in ongoing evaluation, and (4) modelling makes professional expertise visible and brakes boundaries between different professions. (Contains 4 figures and 3 tables.)