So far, we have focused on the text of your survey, but questions and answers are only half the story. It’s tempting to get caught up in the phrasing and methodology of research– but you can’t ignore the way your survey looks and works.

You can think of a survey like a conversation with your respondents. Sure, we communicate a lot with our words, but we tell just as much with our facial expressions, hand gestures, and posture.

Think of visual design as your surveys body language.

We can use visual elements to keep interest, call attention to important information, and influence our respondents mood. This is more important on mobile, as you have to factor in the small size, navigation differences, and use of fingers instead of a mouse and keyboard.

Your control over how your survey looks will depend on the programing software you use, but here are five things to keep an eye out for no matter what:

Now that you have worked through the planning stage and have a good understanding of question types, it’s time to jump-in and start writing your survey! As you begin crafting your questionnaire you should keep a few things in mind.

This simple guide will help you write good survey questions while avoiding bad mistakes and ugly issues (it’s a theme, get it?). If you follow these hints you will be getting the best data possible–without getting a headache.

Questions are the building blocks of research. Your programming platform will give a long list of questions type options, but not all are great for mobile research. As you write your survey, it’s important to understand the different question types and when to use them!

So, you have decided to jump into the exciting world of mobile research. What now? The first step to creating engaging and accurate mobile surveys is planning.

This Mobile Surveys 101 article will help you determine what your purpose is, who your survey should be targeted towards, and what tools you use to get the best possible data– all while staying within your budget!

Whether you are a new researcher or a veteran trying to maximize your potential, understanding Mobile Survey design is an important part of keeping your research up to date. You have so many important questions that need answers, and mobile users are the best source of valuable information. But how do you unlock that data?

By asking the right questions, in the right way.

Tap Research is here to help. We are starting a Mobile Surveys 101 series of blog posts to guide you through the process of designing mobile research surveys from start to finish. We will highlight the differences between desktop and mobile survey design, and give you quick tips for success.

By following the lessons in this series you will become a mobile-research wiz in no time.