# IdeaScale Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Is IdeaScale the right Idea Management solution for you? Explore 28 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/139651/IdeaScale/reviews

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IdeaScale

4.6 (28)

[View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/139651/IdeaScale/alternatives/)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Reviews of IdeaScale

Ease of use

4.4

Customer Service

4.8

## Pros and Cons in Reviews

Charlie S

Executive DirectInsurance, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months.

“The staff including sales, support and others we responsive, talented and passionate about the product, their individual craft and providing great customer service. “

July 27, 2020

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 1-25 of 28 Reviews

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Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

Natalie Rae M.  
Innovation Officer  
Government Administration  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "A platform that can connect the entire organisation"

August 13, 2021

4.0

Its been more than a year and it has really helped all staff feel that they have a voice.

Pros

It is collaborative and staff from across the organisation can interact wit each other and their ideas.

Cons

The registration process could be more seemless.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Director of Special Projects  
Computer & Network Security  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Effective, Easy, Reliable"

December 9, 2015

5.0

IdeaScale worked for us "out of the box'. We launched it and were up and running almost immediately. With zero prior experience, I was able to customize the interface to meet some very specific needs. When I had a question, one-on-one technical support was available on a moment's notice. Our account rep is equally helpful. He stays in touch enough to maintain a great relationship, but has never become a pest like some vendors.

Pros

Easy to set up and launch. Very intuitive user interface both from an administrator's perspective and for the people in the field who log on simply to vote on ideas. Technical support is knowledgeable and always available. The system is reliable, too - zero down time the entire time we've used it (2 years+). Good value for the money. We have the least expensive option and it does everything we need.

Cons

Nothing major - Some of the customization processes seemed a little 'clunky' at first but once you get in sync with their way of doing things it isn't a problem. As stated above, I believe this is a good value for the money, but if you want to go beyond the basic features there is a pretty steep jump in price. Might be nice to have a 'mid-range' option as well.

Review Source

JP

James P.  
IT Specialist  
Government Administration  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Cool Product for Ideation"

December 17, 2015

3.0

Working for the Social Security Administration we use IdeaScale to engage discussion with advocacy groups in the vast Disability area. Understanding that some are hesitant to try “new things,” my team had to be diligent in our quest to use this platform for ideation. Now, after the initial angst and the anonymity feature, we run 3 to 4 concurrent campaigns a month. This product is awesome

Pros

Export to Microsoft Excel Feature Privacy settings Assign Moderator Settings Easy to code

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Librarian  
Libraries  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Great for crowd-sourcing input on big projects"

December 10, 2015

4.0

Our library system has used IdeaScale to source feedback from both staff and the public on renovation projects, and it's proved to be a useful and easy-to-manage system for gathering and organizing that input.

Pros

Very easy and intuitive to use, even for non-tech-savvy users, and allows for input to be built through conversations rather than just filling in forms. Wonderful, attentive support from IdeaScale staff. Helpful, easy-to-use metrics and a very cool, customizable infographic generator.

Cons

The number of options for community moderation can be a bit overwhelming, and the function of each isn't always clear. Attached images show up very small, and attached links or documents could be placed or shown more prominently.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Interdisciplinary Scientist  
Government Administration  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Great App, Great Service"

December 21, 2015

5.0

Within our center, we use IdeaScale as a way to engage staff in brainstorming like discussions that they otherwise would not be able to participate in. Topics range from internal office improvements to new policy implementation and the tool has been incredibly valuable for both senior leadership and the rest of the staff! Service with the IdeaScale time has always been top notch from getting quick responses to technical questions, discussions on campaign strategy, all the way to full program discussion within the office, IdeaScale has been great to work with every step of the way.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Executive Direct  
Insurance  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Talent and tech"

July 27, 2020

5.0

Great

Pros

The staff including sales, support and others we responsive, talented and passionate about the product, their individual craft and providing great customer service. The technology is feature rich, easy to use and reliable.

Cons

Although it is easy to configure, I 'd say more use of preconfigured templates could make it even easier.

Alternatives considered

[Qmarkets](https://www.capterra.com/p/83531/Qmarkets/)

Reason for choosing IdeaScale

People & tech & Price

Review Source

jY

jazmine Y.  
Senior Digital Specialist  
Cosmetics  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Awesome Partnership!"

April 18, 2017

5.0

Ideascale has one of the most solid platforms on in the marketplace AND they are well advanced from anyone out there in system integrations. They are constantly improving their site with input from real customers that are using it. They actually- eat their own dog food -by asking clients to use their community site to post feature requests AND take action on ideas regularly. I have used other software and done a thorough review of competitors, there are none that compete at this level.

Pros

solid, secure and flexible (enough).

Cons

we don't have the power to do everything ourselves for some things.

Review Source

LD

Leslie D.  
Voice Manager  
Consumer Goods  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Grow with Ideascale!"

October 24, 2019

5.0

The scalability of this product is immense and we are just scratching the service on how it can impact our organization. It’s been an awesome team to work with so far!

Pros

I love that Ideascale is so passionate about helping companies reach their innovation potential. Understanding that even small ideas can have a big impact. Their network of users is amazing for collaborating and helping each other. Great community all around.

Cons

I do wish the analytics was more customizable for our organization.

Review Source

SL

Shannon L.  
Innovation Coordinator  
Health, Wellness and Fitness  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Like"

October 24, 2019

5.0

Love

Pros

I like the ease of use for myself as a moderator and the end uaers

Cons

Sometimes there are bugs in the system.

Review Source

GG

Greg G.  
Management Analyst  
  
Used the software for:

### "Look no further than IdeaScale for Outstanding Collaborative Software - Outstanding"

December 9, 2015

5.0

Working as a Federal Employee for decades, I have had the opportunity to participate in a host of application development. Consequently, you would think that I wouldn't be impressed by IdeaScale's offerings, but I was in for a very pleasant experience. I was tasked by my Agency's Leadership to develop a Leading Practices Community for the purpose of sharing efficient and effective ideas organizational wide. I thought, I have no experience with this new software, how can I pull this off? Well all that stress could have been avoided had I talked to my IdeaScale SME, Mr. Matt Paulson, prior to my assignment. To make a long story short, Matt showed incredible product knowledge and was essential in having a fully, functional community available in a matter of weeks. Additionally, Matt was readily accessible and eager to provide his expert knowledge in the event of requested changes. As a result we have a great tool, which I see as providing an outstanding ROI. The Leading Practices Community will serve 30,000 employees and has the capacity to serve far more. How better could we share effectiveness and efficiency than through this tool? In my opinion IdeaScale offers unequaled product value and impressive customer support. If there are any cons to this program, they haven't surfaced so I have nothing to report.

Review Source

SM

Staceylyn M.  
Business Analyst  
Oil & Energy  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Open Nation Review "

November 3, 2016

4.0

Looking forward to knowing more. We have been using ideascale for almost two years. It will be great to know and learn about flexible features like the new funnels. I'm excited.

Cons

It seems more customizable than we are taking advantage of.

Review Source

SW

Stephanie Watson  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "Share Ideas Simply and Effectively"

March 11, 2013

5.0

Aside from the cloud-based application that can be accessed anywhere, you also get access to many popular features. This includes having custom user fields, single sign-on, CSS customization, Facebook application, private communities, Ideascale app, 99.99% availability, campaigns, forums, comment voting, contract, community forums, custom URLs, custom development, email based access restrictions, file attachment, polling tool, profanity filter, and more.

Pros

You get a cloud-based system making the idea creation and feedback method easier than ever. It also includes: widgets, IP-based access restrictions, customizing status tabs, badges, leaderboard, Google Analytics and being mobile optimize

Cons

The disadvantage is that for access to more features, you need to choose a membership plan for a higher cost each month. In other-words, some features are not available in the less expensive memberships.

Review Source

CB

Caroline B.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "First ever Crowdsourced Challenge to improve Government!"

January 4, 2016

4.0

After a thorough review of all crowdsourcing challenge platforms (and contemplating building our own) we selected IdeaScale to run the Fix California Challenge (http://www.innovateyourstate.org/final\_fix\_california\_challenge\_winners\_announced) which resulted in over 450 ideas submitted through the online platform and privately as well as thousands of votes and comments. We set a low bar to entry since the design of the project was to encourage public participation and were overwhelmed by the quality, quantity and nature of the discourse of the community. IdeaScale staff were instrumental in the success of the Challenge - working with us closely prior to the launch, during the Challenge to advance stages and address any issues we had, and even after close of the Challenge listening to our experience in order to continue to improve their product. We heartily recommend them to work with!

Review Source

BJ

Barb J.  
CTO  
Computer & Network Security  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Great product"

October 24, 2019

5.0

Pros

IdeaScale meets all my agency needs in fostering a culture of innovation. We enjoy the ease of use, features, and the wonderful customer service!

Cons

Not applicable. We love the product!! The team was great in helping the implementation and launch at our agency!

Review Source

KT

Kim T.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "Great product with even better customer service"

December 22, 2015

5.0

If executed thoughtfully, crowdsourcing can be a great way for leaders of a bureacratic organization (or any organization) to hear (interactively) from the people doing the actual work, whether they are seeking new ideas or specific information. Ideascale is a great first step to building a strong crowdsourcing program. It's incredibly user-friendly, the site is easy to design, and it's a one-step process for new members to join. The best feature, however, is the customer service. Everyone is incredibly friendly, responsive and helpful (and IT help is literally 24/7!). Our IdeaScale reps went above and well beyond to help us get our program off the ground - they became true partners. IdeaScale is also constantly evolving to provide an even better user experience. You can't go wrong!

Review Source

SK

Suresh K.  
DGM Innovation Lab  
  
Used the software for:

### ""Beautiful" is the only word that I can sum up this Software platform!"

April 21, 2016

5.0

We were on this platform in minutes and we started populating our ideas instantly. Addition of members in free version is child's play. We have voting, comments, sharing of links, editing the Landing page, logo addition, moderation, reports, automatic mail alerts etc. (Attachment of files is not possible in Free Version, but this is still OK for us at this stage of evaluation) We are able to test fully all the features like Leaderboard, We can run multiple campaigns, we have still to start using the other features, but we hope to mature soon and start using these and many other features. This platform is already a big hit within our core team of Innovation. So far amongst all the platforms that we have seen adopting this seemed to be a cake walk!

Review Source

DF

Delraine F.  
Director of Continuous Improvement, MBB  
  
Used the software for:

### "Superior Customer Service and Support! "

October 1, 2015

4.0

The IdeaScale team has awesome customer service and support, it is always timely, accurate and courteous! IdeaScale continues to be a great supplement to our continuous improvement program allowing us to really capture the VOA (Voice of the Associate) it is such an engaging tool for us. Customers love it to, they say that IdeaScale differentiates us from our competitors. They have some nice reporting tools, and an excel data export which allows me to manipulate the data any way i need to. Would be nice to have more options to run the data export already manipulated. Have already discussed with the IdeaScale team and as always, they are looking into satisfying my needs.

Review Source

Taryn E.  
Managers  
Education Management  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Exceptional Service"

October 24, 2019

5.0

Pros

Very responsive staff. Highly rated for SAS.

Cons

Lack of ability to have multiple reviewer groups in one phase

Review Source

AD

Amy D.  
Human Factors Analyst  
Government Administration  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "New Usee"

October 24, 2019

5.0

Pros

Fedramp certification , features, government experience

Cons

Nothing to report thus far . Just getting started

Review Source

LS

Lori S.  
Director of Business Consulting  
  
Used the software for:

### "Simple to use, great for any organization"

December 16, 2015

4.0

As an organization that has team members that don't sit in front of a computer all day, IdeaScale has been great. Team members can access the site from their home computer or mobile device and send us ideas any time of the day. It is easy for us to interact with members on the site and let them know the status of their suggestions. Reporting on this site could be more robust, but the data is available in raw form. All the folks that work for IdeaScale are great; they are always available to help and are open to suggestions. I highly recommend IdeaScale as an innovation management and team member engagement platform.

Review Source

MA

Mark A.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "Great product and great service"

December 21, 2015

5.0

Within our center, we use IdeaScale as a way to engage staff in brainstorming like discussions that they otherwise would not be able to participate in. Topics range from internal office improvements to new policy implementation and the tool has been incredibly valuable for both senior leadership and the rest of the staff! Service with the IdeaScale time has always been top notch from getting quick responses to technical questions, discussions on campaign strategy, all the way to full program discussion within the office, IdeaScale has been great to work with every step of the way.

Review Source

Caroline B.  
  
Public Relations and Communications  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "null"

January 4, 2016

5.0

Review Source

LB

Leeca B.  
Project Officer  
  
Used the software for:

### "Intuitive for front end user with ability to customise look and feel"

December 10, 2015

5.0

IdeaScale is easy to use and intuitive for users even if they have not used it before so caters to all levels of ability to use technology. The web based platform enables staff to use it pretty much anywhere, anytime and different devices. The IdeaScale team are very helpful and assist with queries and suggestions for enhancement or improvement. You do need IT staff to code different aspects of the look and feel but the IdeaScale team can also assist if required.

Review Source

RV

Russell V.  
Risk Management Innovation Planner  
Government Administration  
Used the software for: I used a free trial

### "Government PreBuyer/Researcher"

October 24, 2019

3.0

I have attended a promising demo from \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\] who did a comprehensive job. My goal is to imagine our organizational rollout.

Pros

Metrics for ideation process to commitment

Cons

Another platform is hard to get users to embrace... the government buys a lot of them. They die ignoble deaths.

Reason for choosing IdeaScale

We have not yet. This is my job to determine the possibilities.

Review Source

RG

Ritvij G.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "Ideascale actually helps innovation "

November 3, 2016

5.0

This tool is fantastic for fostering internal and external innovation. I think that the top down innovation model is outmoded and Ideascale is the best way to shatter it.

Review Source

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