OBJECTIVES:  Clinical trials for depression are increasingly using electronic methods to collect patient-reported outcomes (ePRO). The purpose of this study was to determine patient preference for design features to optimize compliance for depression subjects completing daily ePRO diaries. METHODS:  107 subjects with depression were surveyed in the US about their preferences for improving their ePRO compliance and engagement in the trial. RESULTS:  Subjects were 23 to 79 years old and 45% female. 56% reported that they would like to see a “thank you” screen at the end of each questionnaire. 39% thought it would be helpful or necessary to regularly receive a graph to track and monitor their symptoms. 83% preferred to see their progress as they completed a questionnaire. 67% of subjects said they would like the first screen of the questionnaire on the device, summarizing questionnaire length/estimated completion time. Subjects were asked if being informed by the device that their compliance was below expectations would motivate them to complete a daily questionnaire. The majority of subjects (64-74%) indicated that this information would motivate them, 18-27% indicated this would have no impact on their motivation, and 8-9% indicated such messaging would be discouraging. When the compliance message was enhanced with a graphic of a sad face, 47% indicated this would motivate them to complete the daily questionnaire, 30% indicated it would have no impact on their motivation, and 23% indicated it would be discouraging. CONCLUSIONS:  Subjects with depression reported that they would be motivated by seeing a narrative message communicating their compliance in completing a daily questionnaire, and preferred a diary screen summarizing questionnaire length/completion time, tracking their progress through a questionnaire, and “thank you” messages upon questionnaire completion. Investigators and trial sponsors should consider these preferences when designing elements for use with ePRO assessments in clinical trials.