The design tool provides a full library facility, allowing questions to be re-used across surveys. While users can enter their own foreign language translations, GMI has lined up a range of translation agencies, so an online quotation can be obtained, and an order placed, from within the design module. Most impressively, the design tool imports not only legacy data but also proprietary scripts from other packages. Cons Routing instructions complex to write Current design tool lacks finese such as logic and masking, GMI offers a more thorough compatibility with historical surveys. This facility can also ease the pain of transition, making phased implementation a real option.
Researchers can make use of GMI's pre-recruited panels, or set up their own.
And for anyone interested in the controversial area of online focus groups, GMI also offers the means to administer these. The look and feel of GMI's questionnaire design tool is somewhat utilitarian. A very full set of features, while undoubtedly welcome, does make the interface a bit overwhelming. A richer Java tool in the pipeline, promises to improve this. Taylor Nelson Sofres is working with GMI on a number of pilot projects, it hopes to take much further.