Survey

Begin by considering:

• What information should be collected?
• Which questions need to be answered?
• How will the results be used?

Important:

The objectives should be as specific as possible.

Examples include:

• "How satisfied are residents with local public spaces?"
• "Which mobility challenges do residents experience?"
• "Which measures should be prioritised?"

Consider:

• Who should be reached?
• Who is most directly affected?
• Should the survey target the general public or specific groups?

Examples include:

• local residents
• commuters
• young people
• older adults
• local businesses

The target group should influence both the language and length of the survey, as well as the distribution channels and survey format.

Questions should be:

• clear
• concise
• unambiguous
• neutral

Avoid:

• technical terminology
• double-barrelled questions
• leading questions

For example: "Don't you think the square urgently needs improvement?"

Better example: "How would you rate the current situation in the public square?"

Closed-ended questions are useful for:

• rapid analysis
• comparisons
• voting or rating

Examples include:

• rating scales
• yes/no questions
• multiple-choice questions

Open-ended questions are useful for:

• personal opinions
• new ideas
• detailed feedback

A combination of both types is often the most effective approach.

Decide whether the survey will be:

• online
• paper-based
• both

Possible distribution methods include:

• QR codes
• websites
• printed questionnaires
• social media
• postal mail
• public events

Important:

The survey should be easy for participants to access.

Consider:

• using plain language
• providing translations where appropriate
• ensuring mobile compatibility
• using readable font sizes

Important:

The survey should be accessible to as many people as possible.

Use communication channels such as:

• social media
• newsletters
• local media
• community organisations
• schools
• public notices
• local events

Clearly explain:

• why the survey is important
• how long it takes to complete
• how the results will be used

As part of the district festival in Herberhausen, the participation activity "Getting Around in Detmold" was developed. The aim was to gather feedback from as many visitors as possible about their mobility and everyday travel experiences in an engaging and accessible way. The survey was designed to be easy to understand, require no lengthy explanations, and spark interest in the topic.

The survey consisted of six interactive voting columns equipped with ultrasonic sensors. Participants answered each question by dropping a ball into the column representing their chosen response. Every vote was automatically recorded and processed immediately. The results were displayed in real time on a screen, allowing everyone present to follow the outcome as it developed.
This example expands the traditional survey by incorporating playful and technological elements. While data collection was still based on voting, the emphasis was placed on interactive participation and the immediate visualisation of the results.
The questions were deliberately short and easy to understand, enabling participants to complete the survey within a few seconds. The instant feedback often prompted conversations about the results and the different opinions of those taking part.

The interactive survey was designed to enhance traditional voting with playful and digital elements. The immediate visualisation of the results made it clear that every vote was counted and contributed to a shared outcome. At the same time, a large amount of feedback could be collected within a short period without long waiting times or extensive explanations.

The interactive format was very well received by visitors. In total, 74 people participated in the survey. The real-time display of the results generated particular interest, encouraging many participants to continue watching the voting progress or discuss the outcomes with others. The playful approach lowered barriers to participation and motivated people who would probably not have taken part in a conventional survey.

The technical setup should be thoroughly tested before the event to ensure everything runs smoothly. Questions should be short, unambiguous, and understandable without additional explanation. A clearly visible display of the results is equally important, as the immediate feedback is a key element of the participation format. The voting stations should also be positioned in a way that attracts attention while providing enough space for participants and visitors waiting nearby.

Publish the survey online or distribute printed questionnaires.

Important:

Participation should be as simple and straightforward as possible.

Participants should be able to:

• ask questions
• receive assistance with technical issues
• access information about data protection

Providing this support helps build trust.

During the survey period, remind people regularly that the survey is available.

For longer survey periods, participation can be encouraged through:

• reminder messages
• small incentives
• personal invitations

Clearly explain:

• which data are being collected
• how the data will be stored
• whether responses are anonymous
• who will have access to the data

Important:

Only collect personal data when it is genuinely necessary.

Responses can be analysed:

• quantitatively
• qualitatively
• using a combination of both approaches

The analysis may reveal:

• frequently expressed opinions
• priorities
• conflicts
• differences between participant groups

Present the results in a clear and accessible format.

Examples include:

• charts
• maps
• tables
• quotations
• summary reports

Important:

The findings should be easy for a broad audience to understand.

Inform participants about:

• the main findings
• possible implications
• the next steps in the process

This demonstrates that participation has had a meaningful impact.

Source: https://mobilitaetsplanung-hessen.de/methodenkoffer-partizipative-planung/