What is an Evaluation Board used for?
I use the evaluation board whenever I: (Some applies with or without programmable devices).


When I have a fairly big/complex design that I'm not used to, especially when it does have a complex software stack. It gives a starting point when you have something "that works". From there, you modify the software to do what you need, step by step. Later on, you move to your own board design and can rely on your eval board as a reference point to solve problems as it gives you a reference to check signals, software stack, etc... 
When I have to make a project quickly, as it takes time to manufacture PCBs, you can already build most of your software before you get the board.
Testing the capability of a specific chip.
Build prototypes, save time and money. Using several eval boards (or breakout board) you can often build a whole circuit before starting to design a PCB, giving you the best chance to have it working at first shot.


Side story, a company I used to work for one day decided to stop prototyping electronics and just send them directly to manufacture. It was a bad decision and they wasted a massive amount of time and money.



In your case, you will probably get an eval board of the sensor you decided to use, if it doesn't exist then solder it to some breakout board, choose some demo MCU board like Arduino, STM32 or PIC and wire them together and end up with something looking like this: