Microsoft Forms is a survey-creation application that helps users perform a variety of tasks, such as creating surveys, polls, and quizzes, as well as automatic marketing initiatives. Forms was released in 2016 to help teachers manage various educational tasks, such as creating quizzes and evaluating student success in the classroom. In the time since, it has gained a wider audience of business professionals. This web-based application provides users with access to Forms on all platforms, such as Android, iOs, Mac, and Windows. 

Three primary types of documents can be created and shared using Forms: quizzes, surveys, and polls:

  • Quizzes in Forms have many uses. They are relied on by teachers and others working in education to evaluate student understanding. Quizzes can also be used to create case studies or spot new customers. Forms includes an option that allows users to include quizzes in thank-you emails as well.
  • Surveys provide Forms users with a useful method for learning about existing customers, as well as finding new customers. In addition, they provide insights into market research, which can be used to inform new strategy development. Surveys not only can be used to find solutions to business problems but can also point to new opportunities for a business to expand.
  • Polls can be used to gather free feedback on products, as well as to generate more website traffic. They provide Forms users with a more well-rounded understanding of customers, and can even increase community engagement.

Several different elements can be included in a given form, such as:

  • Multiple-choice questions
  • Text-based questions
  • Likert scales
  • Rating or ranking evaluations
  • Net Promoter Scores

Since Forms is part of the Microsoft family of applications, it can integrate with several other Microsoft 365 applications:

  • Stream: Forms users can integrate the content they created with Stream, which is a video-sharing application. In addition, Forms can be used directly in Stream. Users simply insert the form in their company’s video. Then, when a viewer watches the video, the form will appear at the desired point in time so that they can interact with it and respond before the video continues.
  • SharePoint: Documents created in Forms can also easily integrate with Microsoft SharePoint. Users can choose to store their forms in SharePoint, then integrate them with the desired site.
  • Excel: Forms can link to Microsoft Excel. This allows users to link a survey or quiz that was created in Forms directly to an Excel spreadsheet. Once the two apps are integrated, survey responses gathered in Forms are automatically delivered to Excel, where the results are changed in real-time. This means that survey results are immediately available in an up-to-date Excel spreadsheet without any additional work.
  • Teams: Similar to other Microsoft applications, Forms integrates easily with Teams, where it is automatically incorporated into the Teams space the user sees on a daily basis. This integration is especially useful for those who wish to design their own surveys and disperse them with a Teams channel via the chat feature. Sharing this way does not require external links.

What can Microsoft Forms Do?

Forms has many tools and functions that are helpful for business professionals:

  • Data can be recorded in real-time when using Forms.
  • Forms makes it easy to create surveys that measure customer or employee satisfaction.
  • Exams can be created to help train new hires.
  • Users can design polls to measure feedback from internal and external stakeholders, such as employees and clients.
  • Built-in artificial intelligence capabilities allow Forms to adapt to each user’s habits and provide recommendations based on these. Themes and templates are suggested by Forms based on usage patterns. 
  • The “Responses” feature on Forms provides users with a glimpse into information in real-time, as it is being collected, which can be helpful for gathering insights even before a poll is complete or a survey is submitted.
  • Because Forms is accessible on all web browsers, users can work on Forms from their home space, office space, or even on the go with their mobile phone.
  • Forms includes a virtual math keyboard that allows users to write equations directly in forms. In order to do so, they simply select the math option, then the keyboard icon, and begin typing. 

Why use Microsoft Forms?

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Companies and organizations that use Forms for their professional needs cite many benefits to working with this application:

  • Unlike other survey tools that require users to pay for customizable forms, this capability comes with Microsoft Forms. With the help of customization options, Forms users can create polls that are fun to complete, as well as surveys that have personalized themes or templates to better connect with customers. In addition, users can choose to upload their own pictures to use as background images. Color customizations are also possible in Forms, which can help organizations present a consistent brand, or ensure that the company’s identity is accurately depicted in polls and surveys.
  • Automated access to Forms can be made available to all internal staff members.
  • Forms can be shared with others via email, a QR code, or a link. 
  • External parties can collaborate with those internal to the organization via Forms and share important information.
  • Language settings can be changed in user settings to accommodate those who speak different languages.
  • Forms makes it possible to easily gather and organize data about employees or departments within an organization.
  • This application is a powerful tool for engaging team members, even those who work from home or are traveling.
  • Approval templates are a relatively new Forms feature; they provide a way for users to repeatedly approve requests for time off or overtime.

Drawbacks of Working with Microsoft Forms

In addition to the benefits of working with Forms, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of as well when using this app:

  • Since Microsoft Forms is a web-based application, internet connectivity is required to run it.
  • When copying information in Forms, a duplicate form is created, but it does not always include all of the information that was in the original. 
  • Fewer integration possibilities are provided to Forms users than other comparable platforms, such as Typeform.

Despite the few above-listed limitations of Forms, most users consider this application to be a helpful tool for engaging customers, discerning employee sentiments, and gathering other pertinent information about how both internal and external stakeholders view a product or initiative.

Begin Learning Microsoft Office with Hands-On Classes

Those who are proficient with Microsoft 365 apps have a variety of professional options at their disposal. A great way to begin learning about Microsoft Office is to sign up for one of Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Office courses. These small group classes are offered in-person in Manhattan, as well as in the live online format. For students and professionals on the go, there are also in-person and live online Microsoft Office courses available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered in topics such as PowerPoint and Excel. Classes span three hours to three days and cost between $219 and $1,785. 

You can also browse in-person Microsoft Office classes in a city near you to find local learning options.