Live (moderated) sessions are where Lookback is at its strongest: real participants, real context, and real-time sense-making - without turning research into a video conferencing call.
This article explains how to think about and run moderated sessions operationally, not just which buttons to click.
What counts as a live moderated session
A live moderated session in Lookback is a real-time interaction between a researcher and a participant, where the researcher guides the session as it unfolds.
Lookback supports two moderated modes:
LiveShare
Continuous participant screen sharing
Commonly used for usability testing of websites, prototypes, and apps
Requires the Participate app on mobile devices
Interview
Conversation-focused session
Screen sharing is optional and limited by device
On mobile, no app download is required, but screen sharing is not available
Both modes:
stream live to the dashboard
support observers in the Observer Lobby
allow AI-assisted note taking during the session
Before you start the session
Before inviting participants or starting a session, make sure you have:
selected the correct Round type (LiveShare or Interview)
confirmed device requirements (especially for mobile participants)
reviewed browser compatibility for moderators
tested your setup using a Preview Session
optionally run Participant PreCheck (especially for LiveShare)
Good preparation avoids most live-session issues.
Starting a live moderated session
A live moderated session begins when:
The participant opens the Participant Link
The participant completes device setup
The moderator clicks Join from the dashboard
The moderator “calls” the participant (Starts moderating)
The participant answers the call
Once connected:
the session begins recording
AI-assisted note taking becomes available
The moderator’s control room
Moderators work from a control room, not a video call interface.
From here, you can:
follow your discussion guide
see the participant’s screen (LiveShare)
view participant camera (if enabled)
push links directly to the participant’s device (auto-open)
see real-time observer chat
capture notes and mark important moments (including with Eureka)
Observers:
can see and hear everything
cannot be seen or heard by the participant
cannot speak to the participant directly
Managing observers and stakeholders
Observers join via the Observer Lobby link.
Key rules:
participants never see or hear observers
moderators cannot hear observers
moderators can see observer chat messages
observers can join live or watch sessions in progress
This allows stakeholders to engage during research without disrupting it.
During the session: best practices
Let participants work naturally; avoid over-directing
Encourage “thinking out loud,” especially during usability tasks
Use gentle prompts if participants go quiet
Capture insights as they happen - you don’t need to remember everything later
Use Eureka or notes to flag moments worth revisiting
Lookback is designed so analysis can begin during the session, not after.
Ending the session
A session ends when:
the moderator or participant ends the call, or
the recording is stopped
Once ended:
the session recording is immediately available
Findings can be created right away
stakeholders can continue reviewing without waiting
Sessions are counted according to the session rules outlined in What Creates a Session (Operational Guide).
Common moderated-session pitfalls
Choosing Interview when screen visibility is required on mobile
Forgetting mobile participants need the app for LiveShare
Skipping Preview Sessions before real participants join
Treating the session like a video meeting instead of a research environment