In the 1990s, clinical psychologist Melissa DeRosier stood in front of elementary school classrooms reading questions aloud to children to get survey responses for research. To no one’s surprise, this method proved to be extremely time-consuming and costly.
DeRosier wanted children to have a voice in her research, but she needed a better way. So now (today, in fact!) she is launching Quest: a software platform for social, behavioral and educational research, with accommodating features that enable children to participate more easily.
“Usually, we don’t ask kids, because it’s too much trouble. It’s too costly to ask kids what their opinions are. And so, by Quest having these built-in accommodations, we can actually give children a voice in research and evaluation,” DeRosier said.
Current research solutions for children include giving them a regular survey, which can be difficult for younger children to read and comprehend, leading to incomplete or inaccurate data. Alternatively, survey questions can be sent to parents or teachers, but that leaves children’s voices out of the equation.
Quest’s unique features include read-aloud tools for comprehension—including options for what the voice sounds like—as well as engaging elements such as animated characters, customizable backgrounds and mini-games. There are also various options for answer types beyond multiple choice, such as sliders and drag-and-drops.
The software can be used for children as young as five years old, as well as teenagers and adults; it is also HIPAA- and FERPA-compliant.
The Quest so far
Quest’s team has done randomized trials to compare their product with other online survey systems and with paper-and-pencil surveys to look at the level of engagement and quality of data that is produced. With this user testing, DeRosier said Quest is an “incredibly strong” software program for any researcher.
DeRosier added that Quest has received positive feedback from children who have used the platform, and that those children engage at a much higher level than they would with a paper and pencil. Quest partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where they conducted a member experience survey with over 250,000 children across the country. DeRosier said this partnership is confirmation that Quest—which is based in the Triangle—can scale and operate from anywhere in the country.
DeRosier, a Duke and UNC alum, began developing Quest 10 years ago under 3C Institute, a digital health solutions company she launched in 2001 (and where she remains CEO). Quest has since received funding from the U.S. Department of Education and National Institute of Health. It has also been used with 3C Institute’s clients.
“Quest is the new company, but it really is founded in 24 years of expertise and research,” DeRosier said.
The software will be sold in a SaaS model, with customers paying an annual price based on the number of researchers and participants they have. After a free trial period, the software costs $6,000 per year for up to three administrative users and up to 5,000 survey respondents, or $15,000 per year for 10 administrators and 20,000 respondents. On the website, potential users can set up a personal demo for a walkthrough.
QUICK BITS
Startup: Quest
Founder: Melissa DeRosier
Founded: 2025
Team size: 5
Location: Durham, NC
Website: www.quest4data.com
DeRosier acknowledged that it can be daunting to take on a new software program. To address this, Quest gives customers using either pricing model access to a “Quest Guide,” which is an experienced researcher dedicated to an individual customer. Customers can call or email these guides directly, and they are available to train the team and answer questions on an ongoing basis.
After Tuesday’s launch, DeRosier said she and her team will be testing out the business model and working to spread the word about Quest.
“We’re on a campaign to make sure the world knows that Quest is available,” she said.
