Types of questions
A well-rounded UX questionnaire includes a mix of question types to gather diverse and actionable insights. From quantitative data to rich qualitative feedback, each type of question plays a unique role in understanding user behavior, preferences, and pain points. Here’s a breakdown of the essential question types and how to use them effectively:
Dichotomous Questions Simple yes/no or true/false questions for binary decisions. "Did you complete the task successfully? (Yes/No)"
Multiple Choice Questions Provide a list of options, with single or multiple selections allowed. "Which feature did you use most often? (A) Search, (B) Filters, (C) Recommendations, (D) Other)"
Ranking Questions Ask participants to rank options in order of preference or importance. "Rank these features by importance: (A) Search, (B) Filters, (C) Recommendations."
Rating Scale Questions Use a numerical or descriptive scale to measure perceptions. "On a scale of 1 to 5, how easy was it to navigate this page?"
Semantic Differential Questions Measure opinions across a spectrum between two opposing adjectives. "How would you describe the design? (Unattractive 1 2 3 4 5 Attractive)"
Checklist Questions Allow participants to select multiple applicable options. "Which devices do you use this app on? [ ] Desktop [ ] Smartphone [ ] Tablet"
Open-Ended Questions Encourage detailed, qualitative responses. "What would you improve about the checkout process?"
Descriptive Questions Gather detailed descriptions of user behavior or preferences. "Describe how you typically search for products online."
Exploratory Questions Discover new insights by exploring broad themes. "What other features would you like to see in this product?"
Opinion-Based Questions Capture user opinions on specific elements. "How do you feel about the app’s color scheme?"
Scenario-Based Questions Frame questions within realistic use-case scenarios. "Imagine you’re shopping for a gift. How would you use this app to find one?"
Frequency Questions Ask how often a behavior or action occurs. "How often do you use this app? (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Rarely)"
Recency Questions Determine when a participant last performed an action. "When was the last time you used this feature?"
Habitual Questions Understand recurring behaviors or routines. "Do you typically use the app at a specific time of day?"
Demographic Questions Collect information about participant demographics. "What is your age range? (18–24, 25–34, etc.)"
Personal Information Questions Gather non-sensitive personal details. "What is your preferred language for using this app?"
Socioeconomic Questions Ask about socioeconomic status when relevant. "What is your current employment status?"
Location-Based Questions Gather location data to contextualize usage. "Where are you primarily using this app? (Home, Work, On the Go)"
Attitudinal Questions Understand participants’ attitudes and beliefs. "How important is data privacy when using this app?"
Value-Based Questions Explore participant values related to the product. "How valuable do you find the personalization features?"
Lifestyle Questions Understand lifestyle factors influencing product usage. "How often do you use similar apps in your daily routine?"
Factual Questions Gather factual information about usage or preferences. "Do you currently subscribe to the premium plan?"
Recognition Questions Test recall by presenting recognizable elements. "Have you noticed the 'Help' icon on the homepage?"
Recall Questions Test memory by asking participants to retrieve information. "What features do you remember seeing on the homepage?"
Decision-Based Questions Understand decision-making processes. "What factors influence your decision to upgrade?"
Priority Questions Ask participants to prioritize needs or preferences. "Which is more important: speed or detailed information?"
Hybrid Questions Combine multiple question types for flexibility. "Rate the feature and explain your reasoning: (1–5) [Open-ended box]"
Open-Ended Follow-Up Questions Encourage elaboration on previous answers. "Why did you give that rating?"
Partial Choice Questions Include "Other" as an option for unexpected inputs. "Which features do you use most? (A) Search, (B) Filters, (C) Recommendations, (D) Other: [Text box]"
First-Click Tasks Test initial navigation choices. "Where would you click first to contact support?"
Completion Tasks Ask participants to confirm if a task was completed. "Were you able to complete the task? (Yes/No)"
Screening Questions Filter participants by relevance to the study. "Have you used this app before? (Yes/No)"
Eligibility Questions Ensure participants meet the study criteria. "Do you currently use mobile banking apps? (Yes/No)"
Quota-Based Questions Ensure representation across demographics or behaviors. "What is your primary role? (A) Student, (B) Professional, (C) Retired)"
Matrix Questions Allow participants to rate multiple items simultaneously. "Rate each feature: Ease of Use (1–5), Visual Design (1–5), Speed (1–5)."
Filter or Contingency Questions Direct participants to relevant follow-ups based on their answers. "Did you find what you were looking for? (Yes/No). If no, please explain."
Validation or Confirmation Questions Verify understanding or agreement. "Did this feature meet your expectations? (Yes/No)"
Feel free to adapt and combine these questions to match your specific testing goals!