We’re quickly approaching that point when well-intentioned, albeit half-hearted, resolutions have started to crumble. Done with that daily morning run? Slipped back into that mid-day cappuccino? We all know it: change is hard, particularly when we’re more comfortable sleeping in or ordering our old stand-by.

In the research world, we’ve resolved to move to mobile. Or, at least said we’ll think about it. Or acknowledged that it’s probably important. At this point, the move-to-mobile conversation can be measured in years, yet most online research is no more mobile-friendly than it was five years ago. Resolve to make progress toward mobile design this year, and leverage these six tactics now to move gradually toward mobile-friendly research. Consider this a “couch-to-5K” plan for online research.

Often the plea to cut content centers around removing non-essential questions (which is inarguably important); however, consider this simple tactic: cut word count. Aggressively. Send a written survey to a colleague for a fresh pair of eyes to unflinchingly edit. Skip the repeating instructions, phrases in column headers, and descriptions followed by examples. Target an 8^th grade reading level for survey content and stay focused.

Isolate the most challenging questions for mobile users and tackle those. On the next effort, find the next big offenders. Over time, these small adjustments will add up to a portfolio of solutions.

Leverage the expertise of sample providers and programmers to help brainstorm approaches to challenging questions by providing early drafts – or simply previewing tricky questions – for thought partnership. Working ahead of timeline pressure allows for strong options to be developed and tested – and won’t tempt you to hit the “snooze” button on a resolution!

Answer the survey on your mobile device to understand sticking points and visualize how content renders on a smaller screen. Thinking like a participant will guide future design.

Consider fielding two separate surveys, asking questions in a new format, or using custom design – such as adjusted sliding scales or providing special instructions – to balance competing needs.

Long answer lists, wordy choices, and massive grids are often institutionalized through aging templates. While it may be easier to make small changes to an existing template, overhauling templates for mobile-readiness now removes one item from next year’s task list.

While immediate and complete mobile optimization may not be feasible – or may feel like running a race with no training (excruciating) – applying these easy steps will get online research in mobile shape over time. The first step is to get off the couch.

Want to learn more on why a mobile-first survey design is important for driving quality insights? Download a free copy of our white paper, ‘A Breed Apart?’