NGO & Project Management Technology · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 3: Budgets and Data Collection · Lesson 2 of 3

Designing Digital Data Collection Forms

Collect accurate data quickly with phone-based forms.

In this lesson you will

  • Design clear survey questions
  • Build and test a digital form

Key concepts

question typesskip logicvalidationoffline collection

The lesson

Tools such as KoboToolbox and Google Forms let enumerators collect data on phones; KoboToolbox is designed for field data collection, including offline use.

Use clear questions, appropriate types (choices, numbers, GPS), skip logic and validation to prevent errors.

Test the form with colleagues and in a pilot before full deployment.

Step by step

  1. Write ten survey questions.
  2. Build the form.
  3. Add skip logic and validation.
  4. Pilot and revise.

Practice activity

Build and test the project's survey form.

Expected result: A tested form with logic and validation.

Check your understanding

  1. What does validation do in a form?

    Show answer

    Prevents impossible or wrong entries.

  2. Why pilot a form?

    Show answer

    To find problems before full data collection.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.