How should a multi-platform digital survey used for course evaluation be designed?

Abstract: This project studies how one should design a course evaluation survey used at the technological university, KTH. A single survey multi-platform approach has been used in the design stage, with the aim to develop an optimized survey for the two platforms mobile and PC. To clarify, instead of there being a solely mobile-oriented or PC-oriented design process, any design features implemented where considered in the greater scope of how they would fit both mobile devices and PC, thus providing a wider multi-platform optimization. The reason for undertaking the study was the perceived lacking mobile optimization of the current survey system, LEQ used at KTH. This was seen as a significant area of development due to rising numbers of mobile users globally, especially among younger generations. The survey was developed with the aim to have a high usability and providea positive user experience across the platforms. An iterative design process with three cycles of prototype testing focusing on the themes: grading systems, design features and usability was conducted. At the conclusion of each cycle, incremental improvements were made as a result of feedback from prototype testers and a new prototype was developed. Lastly, a final design was developed. During the comparison of the final design with the LEQ survey at the later stages of the study, not many significant differences were found, and non affecting the functionality of the survey. This can partly be explained by the simplistic nature of surveys. While a general PC optimization had been reached, the mobile optimization was still lacking. The study concluded that the multi-platform approach did not allow for a true mobile optimization. Any new features being implemented would have to be beneficial for both platforms, consequently, potential improvements which would result in a better mobile optimization could not be implemented if they were less suitable for to the PC. However, in a mobile oriented design process a mobile optimization could have been reached since any decision regarding design would only be judged as to whether they were beneficial for the user experience on mobile devices. The design of a truly mobile optimized survey could be an area for further research, both in regards to the design process itself and the final product.