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Surveys DesktopSimulator

Surveys DesktopSimulator adds a survey control for interactive task-based exercises, so teams can score what a respondent does inside a guided simulator instead of relying only on typed or selected answers.

Overview​

This module is useful when a survey needs to measure task completion inside a realistic workflow. It works well for hiring, onboarding, quality checks, and process-readiness exercises where teams need to see whether the respondent completed the right steps.

Key Features​

  • Adds a Desktop Simulator control type to surveys.
  • Supports starting the simulator on demand with a button.
  • Supports an optional time limit.
  • Supports weighted scoring for tracked simulator actions.
  • Supports score-based report colors through Report options.
  • Supports Override report value so reports can show labels instead of only raw scores.

How It Works​

Use a simulator instead of a simple answer field​

Instead of asking the respondent to type or pick an answer, this control presents a guided simulator task. The respondent works through the scenario, and WinnerWare stores the resulting score in the survey response.

Score the actions that matter​

The current control metadata lets administrators turn scoring on for specific simulator actions and assign a weight to each one. This is useful when some actions matter more than others.

The built-in scoring options cover the current simulator workflow, including:

  • whether an email was sent
  • whether messages were sent to named contacts in the scenario
  • whether key bookmarks such as Sales Report and Entry Form were clicked

Control how the result appears in reports​

The Report options section lets teams define score ranges and colors, while Override report value lets the report show a business-friendly outcome such as Excellent, Meets Target, or Needs Improvement.

Configuration​

Enable the module​

Before using this control:

  1. enable Surveys
  2. enable Survey Desktop Simulator
  3. open or create a survey
  4. add a Question
  5. add a Control and choose Desktop Simulator

Core control settings​

The Desktop Simulator metadata editor includes the normal survey control options plus simulator-specific settings.

SettingPurpose
Show Simulator on button clickLets the respondent open the simulator intentionally instead of launching it immediately.
Add time limit?Turns on timed completion.
Add time in SecondsSets the allowed time when timing is enabled.
Track if Email has been sent?Adds scoring for the email step.
Email Sent ScoreThe weight awarded for the email step.
Track if Message has been Sent To...Adds scoring for the named contact steps in the simulator.
Message Sent ... ScoreThe weight awarded for each selected messaging step.
Track if BookmarkSalesReport is clicked?Adds scoring for opening the Sales Report bookmark.
BookmarkSalesReport Clicked ScoreThe weight for that bookmark action.
Track if BookmarkEntryForm is clicked?Adds scoring for opening the Entry Form bookmark.
BookmarkEntryForm Clicked ScoreThe weight for that bookmark action.
Report optionsAdds score-based report ranges and colors.
Override report valueReplaces the numeric score in the report with a Liquid-generated label.

Configure score-based report options​

Use Report options when the report should change color based on the simulator score.

  1. Turn on Report options.
  2. Click Add Color Score Option.
  3. Choose a comparison rule:
    • Equal To
    • Greater Than
    • Less Than
    • Between
  4. Enter the threshold value or score range.
  5. Set the Background and Foreground colors.
  6. Add more ranges until the report behavior is fully covered.

Usage​

Use Desktop Simulator for scenario-based assessments​

This control works best when teams need to know whether a respondent can complete a process, not just explain it. It is a strong fit for role-readiness checks where the order and completion of actions matter.

Keep the scoring model simple​

Start by turning on only the actions that truly matter to the scenario. Assign clear weights, then use report colors to separate strong, acceptable, and weak outcomes. This makes the reports easier to read and easier to explain.

Use report value overrides for manager-friendly output​

If a raw numeric score is too technical for the audience, turn on Override report value and use the score variable to output labels such as:

  • Excellent
  • Meets Target
  • Needs Improvement

Developer Notes​

  • The report cell uses the control score as its stored numeric value.
  • The score Liquid variable is available when Override report value is enabled.
  • The current simulator scoring model is scenario-specific and includes email, named-message, and bookmark actions.
  • The control adds one main report column for the simulator result.