Lookback supports several qualitative research methods. Choosing the right one - and choosing it for the right reason - is one of the most important decisions you will make when setting up a study.
WHEN TO READ THIS
Read this article if you are:
• deciding which research method to use
• unsure about the difference between LiveShare, Interview, Tasks, or SelfTest
• used to running research in Zoom, Teams, or survey tools
• setting up research for the first time in Lookback
A COMMON SOURCE OF CONFUSION
Most mistakes are not about choosing the wrong category of method (moderated vs unmoderated). They happen within each category.
For example:
• choosing LiveShare when Interview would work better
• choosing Tasks when SelfTest would be sufficient
• running unmoderated research without realizing no one can course-correct misunderstandings and AI moderated would be a better option
Lookback offers multiple methods because qualitative research needs flexibility - but that also means the choice matters.
MODERATED RESEARCH
Moderated research involves a researcher guiding the session live.
In Lookback, moderated research is fundamentally different from using a video conferencing tool.
The participant experience is focused and immersive, while researchers and stakeholders observe from a separate environment.
Lookback supports two moderated methods:
LiveShare
LiveShare is used when the participant’s screen is central to the research.
• the participant’s screen is shared for the entire session
• commonly used for usability testing of websites, prototypes, and apps
• observers can watch live without being seen or heard
LiveShare works especially well when you need to see exactly what participants do, not just what they say.
Interview
Interview is focused on conversation rather than continuous screen sharing.
• commonly used for in-depth interviews and discovery research
• lighter-weight than LiveShare
• screen sharing behaves differently depending on device
On desktop, Interview is fully browser-based.
On mobile, Interview does not require a participant app and does not support screen sharing.
UNMODERATED RESEARCH
Unmoderated research allows participants to complete sessions on their own time.
In Lookback, unmoderated research is still about the why, not just outcomes. Sessions record screen, audio, and usually camera as well.
Lookback supports unmoderated research through two modes:
Tasks
Tasks allow you to design structured, step-by-step research flows.
Tasks support:
• spoken, text, single-choice, and multiple-choice responses
• follow-up questions
• task randomization
• unrandomized blocks within randomized sequences
Tasks are used when you want structure, comparability, and deeper explanation.
SelfTest
SelfTest is a lighter-weight unmoderated option.
• minimal structure
• less guidance during the session
• useful when you want quick, open exploration
AI-MODERATED RESEARCH
A key limitation of unmoderated research is that no one is present to:
• detect misunderstandings
• prompt participants to speak aloud
• ensure questions are fully answered
AI moderation addresses this.
In Lookback, AI moderation lives inside Tasks.
Researchers:
• enable AI follow-up
• provide context and intent for each question
The AI then:
• asks clarifying follow-ups
• prompts participants to elaborate
• helps preserve research intent
This improves data quality without removing the researcher from the process.
A NOTE ON LIVE OBSERVATION
All sessions in Lookback - including unmoderated and AI-moderated sessions - stream live to the dashboard as soon as they start.
This allows teams to:
• involve stakeholders early
• spot issues quickly
• begin sense-making before data collection ends
This behavior is unique to Lookback and often surprises new users.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
• choosing a method based on habit rather than research goals
• assuming unmoderated means “less qualitative”
• skipping preview links before launching a study
• treating Lookback like a video conferencing tool
The method you choose shapes both the data you collect and how easy it is to work with later.
WHAT TO READ NEXT
• Setting Up a Study – to understand how methods translate into projects and rounds
• Running Moderated Sessions – for live research workflows
• Unmoderated and AI-Moderated Research – for task design and structure