Lookback supports both moderated and unmoderated research - but the difference between them is not just presence vs absence of a moderator.
They differ operationally in:
how participants are guided
how data quality is ensured
how sessions are run and observed
how researchers intervene (or don’t)
This article explains how to choose between them in practice, not in theory.
Moderated research in Lookback
Moderated research involves a researcher guiding the session in real time.
In Lookback, moderated research is conducted using:
LiveShare – continuous participant screen sharing
Interview – conversation-focused, limited screen sharing
When moderated research works best
Choose moderated research when you need to:
explore why users behave a certain way
probe unclear or unexpected behavior
adapt questions in real time
guide participants through complex flows
involve stakeholders live during sessions
Moderated research is especially effective when:
the product or prototype is complex
the research questions are exploratory
participant interpretation matters more than speed or scale
Unmoderated research in Lookback
Unmoderated research allows participants to complete sessions on their own time.
In Lookback, unmoderated research is conducted using:
Tasks – structured flows with step-by-step prompts
SelfTest – lighter-weight, instruction-driven sessions
When unmoderated research works best
Choose unmoderated research when you need to:
reach participants across time zones
collect data at scale
observe natural, uninterrupted behavior
reduce scheduling overhead
run diary or longitudinal studies
Unmoderated research is still qualitative in Lookback:
screen, audio, and often camera are recorded
participants are encouraged to think out loud
sessions stream live as they happen
Key operational differences
Researcher presence
Moderated: Researcher is present and guides the session
Unmoderated: Researcher is not present; instructions and tasks guide behavior
Data quality control
Moderated:
researcher can clarify misunderstandings
follow up immediately
adapt questions on the fly
Unmoderated:
relies on clear instructions and task design
can use AI moderation in Tasks to prompt clarification and elaboration
Participant experience
Moderated:
more conversational
participants can ask questions
pacing is researcher-driven
Unmoderated:
self-paced
participants follow instructions independently
pacing is participant-driven
Device and setup considerations
Moderated LiveShare on mobile:
requires the Participate app
enables full screen recording
Moderated Interview on mobile:
no app required
no screen sharing
Unmoderated on mobile:
requires the Participate app
supports screen, audio, and camera recording
AI-assisted research considerations
Lookback’s AI plays different roles depending on the method:
Moderated research:
AI assists with note-taking and surfacing moments of interest
researchers remain fully in control of the session
Unmoderated research (Tasks):
AI moderation can prompt follow-ups
helps ensure participants fully answer questions
reduces common unmoderated failure modes
AI supports researchers - it does not replace them.
Choosing the right method: practical guidance
Ask yourself:
Do I need to adapt questions in real time? → Moderated
Do I need scale or async flexibility? → Unmoderated
Is misunderstanding likely without clarification? → Moderated or AI-moderated Tasks
Am I running a diary or longitudinal study? → Unmoderated
Many teams use both approaches together within the same Project.