ExperienceSampler is an open-source smartphone app designed for experience sampling research (ESM) and ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Built on Apache Cordova, it allows researchers to deploy customized high-frequency surveys on both Android and iOS without writing native code, offering a professional tool for longitudinal data collection in fields such as psychology and sociology.
In terms of features and use cases, it supports not only multiple-choice questions, Likert scales, and open-ended questions, but also complex skip logic and branching. Its distinctive local notification system can still trigger surveys even without cellular network coverage; all responses are timestamped to the nearest second, and researchers can set a βlockout periodβ to prevent participants from stockpiling surveys. For supported languages/frameworks, it uses JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, and jQuery Mobile, with Cordova plugins providing access to native device capabilities. In terms of integrations and ecosystem, data can be stored locally and uploaded to a self-hosted server when connectivity is available. The official setup recommends integration with Google Spreadsheet and Google Script for data management and compliance reminders, and also supports wireless distribution via Dropbox. The documentation quality is relatively high, offering a detailed five-stage, code-level customization guide covering everything from question creation to advanced logic, snooze functionality, and signal scheduling.
The app itself is completely free and open source. However, there are hidden operational costs: if you need wireless distribution on iOS while bypassing App Store review and device-number limits, you must purchase the Apple Enterprise Developer Program (US$299/year). You will also need to provide your own data storage server.
Its strengths include solid cross-platform compatibility, offline usability, fine-grained data control through timestamps and lockout mechanisms, and deep customizability thanks to its open-source nature. The downsides are that customization requires some frontend coding ability, especially modifying JS logic, and iOS distribution has a relatively high barrier and cost.
Best suited for academic researchers in fields such as psychology and sociology, as well as developers running experience sampling method or ecological momentary assessment experiments.
Access to the official website and code repository is currently unclear. However, because it relies heavily on Google services such as Google Spreadsheet and Google Script for data synchronization and compliance checks, these services require a proxy in mainland China, creating a risk of partial access restrictions. Alternatives include domestic self-developed survey systems or building a fully localized backend service yourself.
β This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on experiencesampler.com official site.
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