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I recently used the Form tool in Google Docs to conduct a survey. On balance it works great.

Pros

• Easy to build and customize.
• Can make some fields required.
• Can embed the survey in a webpage or the body of an email.
• Results are stored in a back-end, downloadable spreadsheet.
• Results are also delivered graphically.
• Can customize the response page.
• Can allow survey-takers to see the results after completing the survey.
• It's free and you don't need to agree to terms (read Survey Monkey).

Cons

• Cannot create a paginated form for longer surveys.
• Cannot customize questions based on previous responses.
• Results are in the Google space. Who owns them?
• A bug? I tested the form in advance of sending it out then cleared those rows from the back-end spreadsheet. However my test responses are still factored in the results displayed graphically.
• Would not use it to gather private or sensitive data or if I needed responders to identify themselves.

Summary

The Form tool in Google Docs is a quick and easy way to send out surveys. It's perfect for internal polling of non-sensitive data like gathering anonymous feedback on a training session or organizing a group potluck.

Aye, a treasure map to site redesign. Consult the legend.

Attended the April 15, 2009, MIMA event, "User Experience Utopia," delivered by Nick Finck, co-founder of Blue Flavor. Reminding me of Kristina Halvorson's notion of a brand - useful, usable and enjoyable - the User Experience Honeycomb captures the essentials of good UX.