Experience with Full Android 2.3 for use in Survey

Date: November 2011

Decision: Survey was deployed on an android device using the well know Canvas survey design software and data management package. (www.gocanvas.com)

Quick Overview of Processes:

1. The templates survey was designed as agreed by consultant (cannon be named) from the paper form to electronic survey using the gocanvas.com software package.

2. The first version was tested using a few random samples. This was a great exercise, which lead to some additional questions and "pre populated items". (The beautiful thing on the technical side included, questionnaire versions when changes are made on the gocanvas application.)

3. The survey was launched using ( COBY KYROS 10 inch device running 2.3 Android, Ipad2 and  Archos 8" G9 device (Android 3.2),HP  ipaq running windows mobile 6.5)

The experience was welcomed by novice users, and interviews - even first time interviewers was happy about the experience with this device during training.

4. Quick observation of issues and challenges : After the training of interviewers, it was reported that the device done work well in the sunlight (OK well we knew this but it was terrible)

5. The current device did not have GPS ( That is just too bad, now we had to use a third party Garmin eTrek)

In the end we did completed the data entry process using this gocanvas software on the android - it is a better user experience on the android 2.3 verses the Android 3.0+ and also better than the Ipad2 devices.

Recommendation:
Doing surveys - get the Android 2.3 - will be a smoother user experiences.
HP Ipaq - Too small in today's large screen environment.
Apple Ipad2 - the "dropdownList/list of values" done look as nice as on windows or android.
Android 3.2 - the items appeared a bit smaller based on the resolution that the device came (Archos) with from the box.
Android (10") 2.3 device - the items was well spaced, leaving room for the touch to be accurate on the specified questions.