Tablet Survey Case Study
The Problem:
In recent years, on-board and intercept survey methods have relied on paper surveys or mobile applications for small devices (Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Palm, etc.). Each of these has signifi cant limitations.
Paper response cards are slow and ineffi cient for the respondent, reducing the respondent's throughput. In addition, scanning and digitizing the data is costly.
While mobile phone survey technology has signifi cantly improved the effi ciency and quality of data, this method still presents diffi culties. The low battery life of most devices is often insuffi cient to support a full working day, forcing the interviewer to eventually resort to paper surveys. In addition, the small screen size, while usable for an individual survey respondent, cannot be easily viewed by both the interviewer and respondent simultaneously.
The Solution:
In a recent project for a major regional transit authority, PTV NuStats fi elded a new, custom-developed system for on-board surveys using Android tablet computers. Tablets solve the ineffi ciency and data quality issues with paper surveys while offering greater battery life and a larger, more readable screen.
The system was designed by PTV NuStats and implemented by a joint development effort of Mygistics and PTV NuStats. In field, the system enabled respondents to use the tablet technology throughout the day without resorting to paper surveys.
Key Features:
Real-time geocoding - In locations where 3G data connections were available, respondent-provided addresses were geocoded in real time and presented in map form for confi rmation.
Offline data collection - Apart from the geocoding, all operations of the app were fully functional while offl ine. The app incorporates an internal database system capable of collecting unlimited surveys while offl ine for later uploading once data connection is restored.
Custom client branding - The app was customized with the client's own branding and identity information.
Sophisticated survey logic - The system was developed to support the needs of sophisticated, modern survey methodologies, including branching and skip logic.
- Extensive battery life - The tablet computers offered vastly improved battery life compared to the palm-sized devices previously used.
Multi-platform capability - While the project was conducted on Android tablets, the underlying technology is developed as a cross-platform tool enabling PTV NuStats to easily target other tablets, phones, and even kiosks as needed.
Tablet Survey Case Study sheet ( PDF )
