Questionnaire
Definition
A questionnaire is a structured set of questions used in user research to collect data from respondents. It can be delivered in various formats, including paper, online surveys, or interviews. The primary aim of a questionnaire is to gather qualitative and quantitative data that aids in understanding user behaviors, preferences, and motivations.
Questionnaires play a vital role in the UX design process as they help researchers identify user needs, test hypotheses, and gather feedback about products or services. By formulating well-designed questions, UX professionals can extract valuable insights that inform design decisions and user experience improvements.
Key components of a questionnaire include open-ended questions, closed-ended questions (multiple choice, rating scales), and demographic questions. The design and wording of these questions are crucial, as they can significantly influence the quality and reliability of the data collected.
Expanded Definition
Historically, questionnaires have been a fundamental tool in social sciences and market research. They allow researchers to systematically collect responses from a larger sample size, which enhances the generalizability of findings. In the context of UX, questionnaires are often employed during the early stages of the design process to define user personas and understand target audience needs.
Additionally, they can be used post-launch to evaluate user satisfaction and gather feedback on new features. Advanced online tools have made it easier to distribute questionnaires and analyze results, allowing for real-time data collection and insights.
Key Activities
Designing effective questions that align with research goals.
Administering the questionnaire to target user groups.
Analyzing collected data to identify trends and insights.
Reporting findings to inform design decisions.
Iterating on questionnaire design based on feedback and results.
Benefits
Enables systematic data collection from a diverse user base.
Helps identify user needs and pain points effectively.
Facilitates quantitative analysis of user preferences.
Can be easily distributed and accessed by respondents.
Supports the development of user personas and journey maps.
Example
For instance, a UX team working on a new mobile application might deploy a questionnaire to gather user feedback on design concepts. By asking questions related to usability, aesthetic preferences, and desired features, they can prioritize development efforts based on user input, ensuring the final product aligns with user expectations.
Use Cases
Conducting pre-launch user research to gather insights on product features.
Evaluating user satisfaction after product launch.
Understanding user demographics to tailor marketing strategies.
Gathering feedback on prototype designs during usability testing.
Investigating user behavior for specific tasks or functions.
Challenges & Limitations
Responses may be biased or influenced by question wording.
Low response rates can limit the reliability of findings.
Misinterpretation of questions can lead to inaccurate data.
Closed-ended questions may restrict the depth of insights.
Tools & Methods
SurveyMonkey
Google Forms
Typeform
Qualtrics
Paper-based surveys
How to Cite "Questionnaire" - APA, MLA, and Chicago Citation Formats
UX Glossary. (2025, February 11, 2026). Questionnaire. UX Glossary. https://www.uxglossary.com/glossary/questionnaire
Note: Access date is automatically set to today. Update if needed when using the citation.