This study aims to develop a tool to quantitatively measure treatment preferences and desired outcomes of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) through evaluation of patient experiences. 20 participants, aged 18 and older, diagnosed with MDD, who do not have bipolar disorder or post-partum depression, participated in a three-phase survey study to elicit attributes of treatment and desired outcomes that are most important. These attributes, after consultation with stakeholder advisors and patient advocates, were used to design a discrete choice experiment (DCE) instrument. Six attributes were included in the DCE: mode of treatment, time to treatment effect, days of hopefulness, effect on productivity, relations with others, and out-of-pocket costs.