Poor survey design can create a poor user experience and increase drop out rates of participation. The design of your online survey can have a large impact on the results that your survey generates so it pays to get it right. Historically online surveys have looked very much like mail surveys simply transposed onto a web page. While technically anything can go with surveys there are some basic design principles that are worth while adhering to.

Welcome Screen

It is worthwhile introducing your survey with a welcome page which introduces your survey. This is the landing page and the first page that the respondent will see. It is important that the welcome pages outlines the purpose of the survey and any other important information i.e. confidentiality, anonymity, contact details for questions, details regarding incentives. It is also worthwhile keeping your welcome page brief and succinct. You do not want to scare anyone off on the first page.

First Questions

The first question is important as it sets the tone for the survey. The more questions a respondent has answered the less likely they are going to abandon the survey. Asking difficult or complicated questions in the beginning of the survey can increase the dropout rate of the survey. First questions should be relaxed, inviting and non-confrontiationl. Demographicn questions should be avoided and kept to the end of the survey.

Color

Color when used effectively can enhance your survey. It has been well researched that different colors can provoke different emotional responses from respondents. Check this out to see the different emotional responses that colors can promote. More often enough though the colors that are used are normally are organisations branding colors.

Instructions

It is important that instructions are included within the survey to ensure that respondents are clear on what is required of them. In some instances brief instructions can be included within the questionnaire with a link to more detailed information can be used. Mouse-overs are also very helpful to achieve more information available to the respondent without cluttering up the page.

While there is definitely more to getting your survey looking good if you follow some of these tips you will be on your way to a good looking and successful survey.