Questionnaire design to study flow in the workplace

Abstract: Questionnaires are used as a data-gathering tool in many different scientific fields and their design is crucial for the accuracy and relevance of the data they collect. In this study, how to reach a good design for a questionnaire to measure flow, a mental state, in the workplace was investigated. After a literature study, the user-centred approach to design was found to be the most appropriate. Three design iterations with usability tests were completed which proved successful in that the negative feedback diminished for each consecutive design iteration. The final design-construct was then used in a pilot study to explore the current state of experiencing flow among employees at Teledyne FLIR and to explore whether there was a basis for an improvement initiative, focused on increasing the occurrence of flow. The pilot study found that the positive effects of experiencing flow held true for the employees. Furthermore, there seemed to be potential to improve the occurrence rate of flow. This indicates that there is a basis for Teledyne FLIR’s planned improvement initiative.