The key to obtaining quality data is to design an effective survey. Subpar survey design will be reflected in the results, regardless of how clear your research questions and objectives are.
As online surveys become more popular as a research method, it is more important than ever to ensure that every aspect of their layout–from identifying the right respondents to questionnaire design—is up to par. You can expect better responses and more meaningful insights if you take the time to optimize each design element. This article discusses some best practices for online survey design that you should think about for your next study.
Keep the Survey as Brief as Possible
Survey questions should be kept to a minimum. This allows respondents to focus on the survey properly and reduces the possibility of fatigue, which reduces the quality of the results. We suggest that you write a survey with a maximum survey length of 15 minutes or less. Consider developing a series of short surveys to obtain quick feedback on a wider range of research topics, such as pulse surveys.
Variation In Question Types Is Recommended
Including a variety of questions keeps respondents interested and engaged in your survey, which boosts completion rates. Multiple choice, rating scales, and click-to-answer options make it easier for respondents to find the correct answer and shortens survey length. While open-ended questions are an excellent way to elicit detailed feedback, they should be used sparingly to avoid respondent fatigue.
Participants Must Be Pre-Screened
Finding the right survey participants speed up the data collection process and increases the likelihood of receiving high-quality responses.
Using an online survey panel is the most excellent way to find suitable respondents for your surveys, as it alleviates the need for pre-screening questions, which can feel repetitive and off-putting to potential participants.
Use Surveys That Are Mobile-Friendly
Given that the majority of online surveys are completed on mobile devices, you must ensure that your survey flow works well on both desktop and mobile. By testing survey loading times, mobile display, and ease of use on a regular basis, you can stay on top of any mobile issues that need to be addressed. Selecting a survey platform with a mobile-friendly interface improves user experience, response rates, and, as a result, results in higher-quality results.
