What is the first step a survey maker should take when they want to design a comprehensive survey?

Determining the objectives and type of feedback needed is a crucial first step when designing a comprehensive survey because it lays the foundation for the entire process. Understanding the purpose of the survey allows the survey maker to tailor the questions to elicit the necessary information that aligns with those goals. This clarity ensures that the questions are relevant and targeted, rather than arbitrary or unfocused.

By establishing clear objectives, the survey maker can identify the key topics to explore, decide on the format and structure of the survey, and prioritize which aspects of feedback are most critical to collect. Without this clear direction, the survey may end up collecting irrelevant data or failing to address the intended issues, rendering it ineffective.

While reviewing existing surveys can provide insights and inspiration, or choosing a pre-existing template can save time, none of these steps can substitute for the foundational understanding of what the survey aims to achieve. Similarly, brainstorming creative formats for questions is valuable but comes after the more critical step of identifying what information is truly needed for the survey's success.