Snapform Breaking down UX questionnaire models
Closed-ended questions and quantitative data
Basic principle: Simplicity and precision
Closed-ended questions allow users to respond quickly and provide easily measurable results. The data obtained is quantitative, allowing you to measure trends or compare different aspects of the product.
Example: On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the clarity of the instructions?
UX Usefulness
Ideal for evaluating aspects like satisfaction, ease of use, or frequency of use of certain features.
Advantage
Results are quick to analyze and perfect for A/B testing or measuring progress over time.
Limitation
You don't always know why the user gave that rating. Responses lack context.
Open-ended questions and qualitative data
Basic principle: Exploration and nuance
Open-ended questions invite the user to express themselves freely. This allows for capturing rich qualitative information that reveals users' emotions, ideas, or frustrations.
Example: What would you like to improve about this feature?
UX Usefulness
Ideal for understanding the reasons behind a user’s behavior or feelings.
Advantage
Responses provide valuable context to identify friction points or areas for improvement.
Limitation
These responses take longer to analyze, especially if there is a large number of respondents.
Combining quantitative and qualitative (mixed models)
Basic principle: Complementarity
An effective approach is to mix closed and open questions. Closed questions provide measurable data, while open questions add details and context to those results.
Mixed model example: On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate your satisfaction with the product? If dissatisfied, why?
UX Usefulness
Mixed models are perfect for getting an overview: numerical trends combined with qualitative insights.
Advantage
This allows you to connect numbers to the reasons behind them for a more complete view.
Limitation
It can be more complex to analyze and interpret, especially when dealing with a lot of qualitative data.
Standardized UX questionnaires
Basic principle: Consistency and comparability
Some UX questionnaire models, such as the SUS (System Usability Scale) or the NPS (Net Promoter Score), are widely used because they measure user experience in a standardized way.
Example:To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "This product is easy to use" (1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)?
UX Usefulness
Perfect for comparing products or tracking a product’s evolution over time.
Advantage
Easy to administer, and results are comparable to other products or companies.
Limitation
These questionnaires may lack specific nuances related to a particular context or product.
Custom questionnaires
Basic principle: Flexibility and relevance
Unlike standardized questionnaires, custom questionnaires are specifically designed to meet the needs of a particular product or project.
Example:During your last use, did you encounter any obstacles? If yes, which ones?
UX Usefulness
Perfect for exploring specific questions or unique situations related to a particular product.
Advantage
Fully adaptable to the specific needs of the product or project.
Limitation
Less potential for comparison with other products or companies.
UX questionnaires offer a wide range of tools for understanding user experience, but choosing the right model depends on what you are trying to learn. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, you can get a clear and nuanced picture of how your users feel. Core principles remind us that good UX questionnaire design relies on simplicity, relevance, and flexibility to adapt to each situation. A well-thought-out approach helps gather actionable insights that will truly improve the user experience.
David has been a UX Designer and entrepreneur for twenty years. "UX is crucial because it puts people at the heart of every decision, creating experiences that resonate deeply with users."
