Programming time is so wildly variable it is hard to estimate.  I would say that programming in Dimensions doesn't seem to be any faster/slower than any other language.  Most of the studies we program are quite complex and wouldn't be possible in any system that didn't offer an advanced scripting mode.

 

Dimensions is admittedly verbose, but with step-by-step debugging, code completion and other features, the time to deliver a complete project is probably about the same.

 

We have a couple of systems for generating survey scripts. One is a custom built script generator called JobBuilder.  It allows users to select from a library of templates and then prompts for things like product name, competitor name, etc.  It produces a survey script, HTML templates, JavaScript, and a set of DMS and MRS scripts.  This works well for templated products (copy tests, concept tests, etc) but not so well for ad hoc surveys.

 

For ad hoc surveys we have developed a set of Java based macros for the JEdit text editor.  These work in a similar manner to the Word capture product but are much more sophisticated.  The programmers can import a questionnaire, select sections and hit a few buttons to create survey metadata.  This metadata can then be added to a generic project produced from job builder.

 

We are currently looking at the Author and are interested in the PES Library and Wizards but have made no decisions yet.