Define Your Objectives: Refer to your project plans and clearly define the purpose and objectives of your questionnaire, or questionnaires. Understand what specific information you want to gather from participants.

Know Your Audience: Consider the demographics, language proficiency, and cultural background of your target participants. Tailor your questionnaire accordingly.

Build on other questionnaires: Examine our existing questionnaires to identify elements that can be reused. Consider which question types are useful for your audience and objectives.

Start with Clear Instructions: Begin with concise and clear instructions that explain the purpose of the questionnaire, how the results will be used and shared, the expected time commitment, and any special formatting or technology requirements. Make instructions welcoming.

Use Plain Language: Avoid jargon, technical terms, or complex language. Use plain and simple words that the average participant can understand. Make it appropriate for participants' age and ability.

Keep Questions Clear and Specific: Make sure each question is precise and directly related to your research objectives. Avoid double-barrelled questions that ask about multiple things at once. Use closed-ended questions (multiple-choice or Likert scale) when possible to make responses more structured and easier to analyse. 

Use Graphics Sparingly and Effectively:: Incorporate graphics (e.g., charts, diagrams, icons) when they can clarify or enhance understanding. Ensure that graphics are simple, relevant, and easy to interpret.

Consider Speech or Audio Options: For participants with visual impairments or limited reading ability, provide options for speech or audio-based questions and responses. Give users control of audio. Use clear and natural language for audio prompts.

Organise Questions Logically: Group related questions together and follow a logical flow. Use headers, subheadings, and numbering to structure the questionnaire.

Avoid Leading Questions: Ensure that your questions do not bias or influence participants' responses. They should be neutral and unbiased.

Pretest and Revise: - Conduct a pilot test with a small group of participants to identify any confusing questions or issues with graphics or speech options. Revise the questionnaire accordingly.

Provide Contact Information: - Include contact information for participants who have questions or encounter issues while completing the questionnaire or about the use of the data.

Keep it Concise: - Be sure participants can complete the questionnaire in a time that is acceptable to them and is consistent with the importance they attach to it. Focus on collecting the most critical data.

Take time to involve colleagues and review the design: Remember that the key to a successful questionnaire is putting yourself in the shoes of your participants. Consider their perspective and their needs throughout the design process to create a user-friendly and effective tool for data collection.

YOUCANSAY SUPPORT will help you at each stage

YOUCANSAY COLLABORATION brings team members and specialist together to build your questionnaire

YOUCANSAY TESTING Ensures you can see how a questionnaire is presented to participants 

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