I've noticed that every few years, our department gets tempted into buying iPads for improved productivity, usually pushed by someone in charge who loves Apple. But more often than not, these iPads end up unused and abandoned after I set them up. We're considering using iPads again, this time to collect customer surveys in the field on a "larger, more user-friendly screen". However, the team already has notebooks and smartphones. I'm hesitant because I have a history with tablets that didn't work out. We're primarily dealing with elderly clients who may struggle with tech. Is there a better internet-enabled device to use for surveys, or should I just suggest using the hotspot feature on their phones to link with their existing notebooks, which have keyboards? Currently, we also provide paper surveys and an online version that clients can complete on their phones.
2 Answers
If you already have Mobile Device Management (MDM) in place, why not switch to Android tablets? They tend to be cheaper and easier to manage, which might save you some stress.
Using iPads in Kiosk mode has been the go-to for survey setups like this. They're simple to manage and there are handy cases available that let staff hold them while people sign. Plus, dealing with someone else's smartphone can be really inconvenient and raises privacy concerns. It's been the standard for years, so I'm not sure what the hesitation is.
Thanks for the tip on Kiosk mode! Just to clarify, we usually provide a link for clients to fill out the survey on their own phones.
Can Kiosk mode let users switch Wi-Fi networks? If not, it could be troublesome. You might end up with a kiosk that’s stuck on one Wi-Fi, and that’s a hassle to recover.
True! Personally, I prefer iOS for these settings since you avoid dealing with the unique features from various Android brands. But if you choose Android, it's best to standardize on a single device model.