Participating in a live research session on my Android device

Guide to the Android Participant experience

Russ Troester avatar
Written by Russ Troester
Updated over a week ago

In a remote, live research session, you'll be able to see and speak to the researcher. The researcher will be able to see you, hear you, and observe your screen throughout the duration of the session. The goal of these sessions is to provide your (the participant's) honest perspective and feedback on their app, website, prototype, content.

First things first

5 minutes before the scheduled time

  • Find a quiet spot to start the test

  • Read the communication from the Researcher and locate and tap the [Test URL] . It should look something like:
    https://participate.lookback.io/alpahnumeric-code

  • Read the welcome message from your Researcher and then tap 'Install Participate'

  • 'Install' the Participate App from the Play Store.

  • Return to the welcome message and click 'I already have Participate'

  • By continuing, you agree to record and upload your experience. Our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy are available for you to review.

Getting started

The following video will walk you through the setup process for your Android device. You can also review the step-by-step instructions below.

Grab a headset

While it's not required to use wired or wireless headphones with a built-in microphone, a headset of some kind will help reduce background noise and echo. Therefore, use of a headset is strongly recommended.

Tell us who you are

  • Fill in your name and email address. We don't do anything with this information. It goes to the Researcher once the session is completed.

  • If the Researcher doesn't require you to share your real information, just get creative and make something up! It's ok as long as your email address follows the format email@email.com.

Toggle to enable camera, mic and screen recording

  1. Typically the Researcher would like to see your lovely face. If the Researcher hasn’t indicated to use your camera, you can decide to skip.

  2. Microphone and Screen are required

Tip! Before you enable screen recording, remember to close any apps or websites with sensitive info (like passwords etc), that you may have open on your phone, as the Participate app records everything that's displayed on your screen.

     3. Tap 'Start now'. This starts the session recording

Joining the call

  • Once you've completed the above, you'll land on a screen that says: 'All set. We're just waiting for the other party to join.' You are now in a virtual waiting room.

  • The Researcher will be notified that you're ready and waiting! Hold tight, they'll call you shortly.

  • When the Researcher calls you, just tap 'Accept' to answer to join the session.

Time to test

Voilà, now you can see the Researcher on your screen. And the researcher can see you on his/her screen! Your session has now officially begun and is being captured! 🎉

Tips!

  • Whenever you need to access the Instructions, tap Yellow Hand Bubble...

Tip! If you're testing an App, just navigate away from the 'Participate App' to the App you're required to test. (But remember - don't close the Participate App!)

Ending your session

  • Navigate back to the Participate App (if necessary) and tap 'Pause Session'.  

  • And then tap 'End Session'.

  • Finally, tap 'End Session' again to reconfirm.

  • Wait until you see the stars and the Researcher's message to ensure your sessions uploads successfully.

Bravo! Thanks for taking the time to join the session. 🌟

You can close the Participate App, the Browser and any other Apps you may have used during the test.

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