Questions and Answers on qualitative online-research with QDC Studio

FAQ

+ How much time does it to activate a survey / community?

After receiving the assignment, we configure and activate your survey within 48 hours maximum. You receive your access codes and can start setting up tasks and questions immediately. Should we set up the survey for you, we will need 3-6 working days after receiving the assignment and your data, depending on the complexity of the study.

+ Do I need any previous knowledge to use the software?

No, you don't need any special knowledge, QDC Studio contains a simple user interface and can be used effectively after only short familiarisation period. All functions are described context related in the application and explained in detail in the handbook. Additionally, our team is happy to assist and support you via email or phone.

+ Do you also offer trainings for the use of the software?

You receive a detailed and thorough introduction on the phone in order to use QDC Studio. A training at your company is not necessary.

+ Do you also set up fully designed studies?

Yes, we are happy to set up completely or partly designed studies for you.

+ What is the maximum number of participants for a chat?

For classical questions in online-focus groups the optimal group size has turned out to be 8-10 participants. Working with a co-moderator is advisable in many projects. He/she  can for example keep more focus on the communication with the client ("silent observer"). You can also use chats within a community for motivation and connecting groups in bigger groups.

+ What is the maximum number of participants for an online community?

This can't be said in general. Experience shows that depending on the questions, for market research communities groups of 50-80 people are working well. But there are also projects which are conducted successfully with less or significantly more test persons. Ultimately the group size depends on the questions of the study, the participants connection to the topic, the field time and the planned time the test persons will invest.

+ Can I also conduct quantitative studies with QDC Studio?

QDC Studio is optimised for conducting qualitative studies, but also allows the integration of quantitative questionnaires in your project without any problem.

+ Can the software interface be adapted individually?

The adaptation of colour and embedding of your logo into the standard layout is already included. Upon request we develop an individual design which goes beyond the adaptation of the standard design. We also offer adaptation of logo and key colours in the administrator area as an optional service.

+ Is it possible to use QDC Studio with a smartphone (e.g. iPhone, Blackberry)?

Yes, the use of the project pages is also possible via smartphone with internet access. An optimised display for mobile devices is offered. Additionally it is possible to publish texts and pictures via email or text message with the email gateway especially designed for this application.

+ Do we or our participants need any additional software?

QDC studio is a web based application, which is solely used via a browser. A local installation on the computer is not necessary.

+ How secure are my data?

Software access is secured via password or individual link. All entered data and information are encoded and sent via a secure SSL connection which has already proved secure in online banking. The network traffic to the servers is secured by central firewalls. Additionally, key operations on the servers are observed by an Intrusion Detection System (IDS). A special back-up system additionally prevents the loss of data.