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Surveys DesktopSimulator

This module adds a Desktop Simulator control type to Surveys so non-technical builders can include guided, simulator-style tasks in interviews.

Use this when you want respondents to complete an interactive scenario instead of only typing/selecting answers.

Before you start​

  1. Enable CloudSolutions.Surveys.
  2. Enable CloudSolutions.Surveys.DesktopSimulator.
  3. Confirm the Survey content type is available under Content -> New -> Survey.

How to add a Desktop Simulator question​

  1. Open or create a survey.
  2. Add a Page (or open an existing one).
  3. Add a Question.
  4. Add a Control and choose Desktop Simulator.
  5. Save the survey draft.

Configure Desktop Simulator control metadata​

In the control editor, configure the same core metadata style used in Surveys:

  • Required: force completion before submit.
  • Hints/Description: explain what the user should do.
  • Survey Visibility: show/hide this control based on other answers.
  • Survey Control Group: assign the control to a report group for totals/averages/computed output.
  • Report colors: set display colors (where provided) to highlight score ranges or outcomes.
  • Liquid input (advanced): customize display/report output only if needed.

If you use Liquid, keep it simple and test with real data before publishing.

Survey Visibility with simulator controls​

Desktop Simulator controls can participate in the same visibility system as other controls:

  1. Open the control’s Visibility section.
  2. Choose Show or Hide behavior.
  3. Add rule groups and rules (field/operator/value).
  4. Save and test multiple answer paths.

Tip: change one rule at a time, then retest to avoid hard-to-debug logic.

Reporting guidance for non-technical users​

  • Use Survey Control Groups to keep simulator results organized in reports.
  • Apply report colors consistently (same meaning for the same color across surveys).
  • Avoid over-customizing with Liquid unless standard output is insufficient.
  • Run a full test interview after any metadata or visibility change.