Using online forms

Benefits of using online forms

We are focusing on Google forms and Microsoft Forms as we have most experience of using these ourselves.

Create a Google Form

Create a Microsoft Form

Common benefits of both MS Forms and Google Forms

Both platforms allow you to:

• Create surveys and questionnaires with various question types (multiple choice, text, rating, Likert scale, etc.)
• Collect responses in real time
• Export data to Excel or Google Sheets for analysis
• Customise forms with themes and branding
• Share via links, email, or embed in websites

Using forms for surveys

Surveys are great for collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Here’s how forms help:

• Pre-structured questions: Use multiple choice, checkboxes, or scales to gather structured data.
• Open-ended questions: Allow for more detailed feedback.
• Branching logic: Ask follow-up questions based on previous answers (both platforms support this).
• Anonymous responses: Useful for sensitive topics.

Using Forms for case studies

Case studies often involve more in-depth, narrative-style data. Forms can help by:

• Collecting background information: Name, role, organisation, etc.
• Guiding structured storytelling: Use long-answer fields for participants to describe experiences.
• Uploading files: Google Forms allows file uploads (MS Forms does too, but only within an organisation).
• Consent collection: Include checkboxes for consent to use data.

Tips for effective use

• Pilot your form with a small group first.
• Use clear, concise language in questions.
• Limit the number of questions to avoid fatigue.
• Use logic branching to personalise the experience.
• Analyse results using built-in charts or export for deeper analysis.

Maximise forms through learning

There are numerous online tutorials that can help you get the most out of your forms.

Here are two to get you started.

Google Forms - YouTube Online Tutorial

MS Forms - YouTube Online Tutorial

Microsoft support - How to create an online form