As electronic-based surveys grow in popularity, many agencies have developed their own sets of electronic form design practices. Some of these practices developed from research while other practices developed from field-based experience. This paper acts to synthesize a variety of electronic form design practices used by the establishment surveys at the U.S. Census Bureau. These practices are based on research and findings from cognitive and usability testing. Because these findings evolved out of respondent testing, the Census

Bureau has been able to develop electronic survey design features for establishment surveys that integrate well with the activities and tasks respondents perform to complete surveys. This provides for a more respondent centered electronic survey design. In this paper, we discuss topics such as working with internal Information Technology staff, addressing the visual differences between paper and electronic forms, respondents use of paper associated with electronic response, and the use of real-time edits and other

electronic-only features. The paper will also discuss the potential implications of the Census Bureau’s findings for both household and establishment-based surveys, and outline areas that need more research.