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Moderated Research in Lookback

Learn how moderated research works in Lookback, why it is designed differently from video conferencing tools, and how live analysis, observer presence, and AI support deepen qualitative understanding.

Henrik Mattsson avatar
Written by Henrik Mattsson
Updated this week

Moderated research in Lookback is designed to support deep qualitative inquiry, not just live conversation.

It combines live interaction with structured observation, real-time analysis, and video-based evidence - all in an environment built specifically for research, not meetings.

What moderated research means in Lookback

Moderated research involves a live researcher guiding a session with a participant.

In Lookback, this means more than simply talking to someone over video. Moderated sessions are designed to help researchers:

  • observe real behavior, not just reported opinions

  • ask follow-up questions in context

  • notice important moments as they happen

  • capture evidence without breaking focus

Moderated research in Lookback is about seeing and understanding why, not just hearing answers.

Not a video call: a research environment

Lookback’s moderated research experience is intentionally different from video conferencing tools.

Key differences include:

  • Participants experience a focused task environment, not a grid of faces

  • Observers are invisible to participants

  • Researchers work from a control room designed for inquiry and documentation, not facilitation logistics

These differences exist to protect:

  • participant authenticity

  • research quality

  • evidence integrity

Moderated research in Lookback is structured to reduce noise and cognitive overhead, so attention stays on the participant.

Two moderated modes: LiveShare and Interview

Lookback supports two moderated research modes, each suited to different kinds of questions:

LiveShare

LiveShare is used when continuous screen sharing matters.

It is typically used for:

  • usability testing of websites or prototypes

  • testing apps or workflows

  • observing navigation and interaction over time

The participant’s screen is shared throughout the session, allowing researchers to observe behavior in real context.

Interview

Interview mode is used when conversation is primary.

It is suited to:

  • exploratory interviews

  • concept discussions

  • stakeholder or internal interviews

Screen sharing behavior differs by device and context, but the focus remains on dialogue rather than continuous interaction.

Live analysis is the default, not an afterthought

Lookback is designed so that analysis begins during the session.

Moderated sessions support this through:

  • real-time notes tied to timestamps

  • AI-assisted note taking to reduce cognitive load

  • live observer chat visible to the researcher

  • immediate access to the session stream

Researchers are encouraged to notice, capture, and reflect on important moments as they happen - not weeks later.

Replays exist to preserve evidence, not to shift all sense-making to post-hoc review.

Observers are present - without interfering

Moderated research in Lookback supports live stakeholder observation.

Observers:

  • can see and hear everything the participant does

  • cannot be seen or heard by the participant

  • communicate with researchers through a private channel

This allows stakeholders to:

  • build shared understanding early

  • align on evidence

  • stay close to user reality

Without influencing the session or the participant’s behavior.

AI supports attention, not conclusions

During moderated sessions, AI assists researchers by:

  • helping surface relevant moments

  • supporting note taking

  • reducing the need to remember everything at once

AI does not:

  • decide what is important

  • summarize away nuance

  • replace researcher judgment

The researcher remains responsible for inquiry, interpretation, and meaning.

When to use moderated research

Moderated research is especially valuable when you need to:

  • explore new or poorly understood problems

  • probe reasoning and intent

  • clarify confusion in real time

  • adapt questions based on participant behavior

It is often used early in discovery, but can also support validation and refinement when deeper understanding is needed.

How moderated research fits with other methods

Within a Project, moderated research often works alongside:

  • unmoderated studies for scale and flexibility

  • AI-moderated sessions for improved asynchronous data quality

Because all methods produce the same type of evidence, insights remain connected across approaches.

What to explore next

To go deeper into moderated research:

  • Learn how LiveShare works in practice

  • Explore Interview mode and when to use it

  • See how discussion guides support structured inquiry

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