2002 Economic Census electronic style guide - ARCHIVED

This paper discusses in detail issues dealing with the technical aspects of designing and conducting surveys. It is intended for an audience of survey methodologists.

The upcoming 2002 U.S. Economic Census will give businesses the option of submitting their data on paper or by electronic media. If reporting electronically, they may report via Windows-based Computerized Self-Administered Questionnaires (CSAQs). The U.S. Census Bureau will offer electronic reporting for over 650 different forms to all respondents. The U.S. Census Bureau has assembled a cross-divisional team to develop an electronic forms style guide, outlining the design standards to use in electronic form creation and ensuring that the quality of the form designs will be consistent throughout.

The purpose of a style guide is to foster consistency among the various analysts who may be working on different pieces of a software development project (in this case, a CSAQ). The team determined that the style guide should include standards for layout and screen design, navigation, graphics, edit capabilities, additional help, feedback, audit trails, and accessibility for disabled users.

Members of the team signed up to develop various sections of the style guide. The team met weekly to discuss and review the sections. Members of the team also conducted usability tests on edits, and subject-matter employees provided recommendations to upper management. Team members conducted usability testing on prototype forms with actual respondents. The team called in subject-matter experts as necessary to assist in making decisions about particular forms where the constraints of the electronic medium required changes to the paper form.

The style guide will become the standard for all CSAQs for the 2002 Economic Census, which will ensure consistency across the survey programs.