What Are Image Surveys & Why You Should Consider It

Survey response rates are directly proportional to how engaging it is. How do you improve this? By making the surveys visually appealing, responsive, and interactive. 

One of the better ways to go about it is through image surveys. The visual component makes the respondent engaged and easier to respond to. 

In this blog, we will discuss everything about image surveys. From simple definitions and examples to how to create it and when to use them. 

Let’s start with the definition. 

What Are Image Surveys?

It’s as the name suggests - Surveys with images. Instead of providing old and simple MCQs, you can provide images, or even gifs to make the surveys engaging. 

Or in other words - Image surveys use visuals to enhance engagement and clarity for the respondents. This way, they will be able to express their preferences and perceptions more effectively.  

Example of an Image Survey

For those who are confused on how an image survey would look like, don’t worry…we have got you covered. 

Our experts have created a survey exclusively with visuals. The following is the sample survey template, please have a look at them. 

Example of Image Survey

Preview Template

Use This Template

As you can see (for those who tried the template) how engaging the survey can be. 

If you are interested in creating more surveys like this, we suggest that you try SurveySparrow. A more detailed process on how to do this is available in the next section. 

How to Create a Survey With Pictures or Visuals?

First and foremost, you will need to have a survey tool. In this case, we will be taking SurveySparrow for obvious reasons. 

For those who have a SurveySparrow account, log in to that and follow the steps we are going to discuss. 

For those that don't have an account, there’s a free version of the tool you can use for the purpose. Use the form to sign up.

Step 1 - Start a Blank Survey

Once you log in (sign in), you will be directed straight to the “Survey” dashboard. There, click on the “New Survey” button on the top-right corner. 

A popup will appear, offering you with the options. From that select “Start Blank”.

Step 2 - Decide on the Questions

We will be creating a simple quiz on logos, as in, the survey will test the brand knowledge of the respondent by showing the logos. (Yes, simple enough).

For image or picture surveys, click on “Add a question”, and choose “Picture Choice”. We have added one question and it looks something like the following.

You can either use images from Unsplash, Gifs from Giphy, or upload your own images. 

Step 3 - Be True to the Survey

In order to make the surveys engaging and responsive, you have to make sense of the survey. Simply adding in picture choices isn’t enough. 

Since we are doing a survey to collect survey participant data. 

Step 4 - Use Display and Skip Logic

Since the questions we added are very simple, it’s almost impossible to get them wrong. But, when you are creating a survey, make sure that you have added proper logic branching to make it responsive. 

The following is something we did for a quiz template

Step 5 - Thank You Page

Implement a proper thank you page. 

Respondents have taken time out of their schedules to engage with our surveys. So, it’s only logical that we thank them for their time and effort. 

Et voila! That’s it, you have created an image survey. 

Now, the question is when can you use them. Like every other survey, this too has time and place to use. Let’s have a look at them. 

Related Read: 10 Ways to Say 'Thank You for Contacting Us' in Your Forms.

2 Ways to Use Picture Choice Survey Questions

Rather than types, here are two ways you can use image choice survey questions.

1. Single-Select Image Choice Questions

These are questions that allow respondents to choose only one image from the given set as answer. Since they can only select one, make sure to provide clear, distinctive options to choose from.

Try using this when you want clear and singular answers.

2. Multiple-Select Image Choice Questions

Unlike its counterpart we discussed in the previous section, this question allows respondents to choose more than one image choice as answer. These questions are used when we want a broader idea of customer preferences.

For example, if you are asking a survey question like - Which feature did you like in our app? - then providing multiple options would do good.

Related Read: Explore the types of survey questions.

When Is the Right to Use Image Surveys?

As you may already know, image surveys are an effective way to engage with your respondents. But the question remains - when exactly to use them?

We have discussed the same with our CX professionals, and the following are some insights from them.

When You Have to Represent Complex Data

Image surveys can be used in fields like medical imaging and scientific research. These fields usually have the requirement of representing complex data using visuals.

For example, showing sets of MRI scans to test the knowledge level of medical students.

When You Want to Research on Products

Suppose you want to learn about customer preferences in the fashion industry. Here, you can use image surveys to offer insights into new fashion ideas and collect customer insights.

Similarly, you can do the same in industries like consumer electronics and automotive. This approach will help you refine products before launch based on customer feedback.

When You Are UX Testing

Another place where you can use picture surveys is for UX research or testing. Be it website layout, app interface or product packaging, you can use them.

For instance, provide your target audience with different versions of a website design and ask them to rate them. The end results will provide a clear idea of what your customers prefer.

When You Want to Measure Emotional Response

This is ideal for marketing or psychological studies. Like you can use images to measure how people feel about certain visuals.

For example, you can present a series of emotionally charged images and ask respondents to rate their feelings. Use Likert scale questions for rating. The insights from this can help you avoid unnecessary backlashes during your marketing campaigns.

When You Want to Make Learning Interactive

Surveys with pictures can be a good way to enhance interactive learning. Students can easily understand the questions and respond clearly, providing relevant and reliable feedback. We suggest using such surveys with younger audiences as they are more likely to engage better.

The survey example we provided at the beginning is a good reference you can use.