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 honest perspective and feedback on their app, website, prototype, content, etc.
First things first
We’re going to be chatting with you using a web conferencing platform using your web browser
You will need to use a supported browser. If you don't have a supported browser installed, please download and install one on your computer. Both are available on Mac & Windows, free, and will work with Lookback:
If you already have one of these browsers installed installed, make sure you have the most up-to-date version.
Finally, paste this link into your Chrome browser to check that you're on a strong Wifi connection. We recommend at least 5Mbps.
5 minutes before the scheduled time
Grab your wired or wireless headset with a built-in microphone - not necessary, but recommended
Find a quiet spot to start the test
Read the communication from the Researcher, locate and open the [Test URL] in one of the supported browsers. It should look something like:
https://participate.lookback.io/alpahnumeric-code?liveOptional: Lookback now uses our extension-free experience by default, but your moderator may require you to use our Participate Chrome Extension. If so, you'll want to install the extension ahead of time by following the prompts:
Read the welcome message from the researcher.
Go ahead and click Get started.
Getting started
Grab a headset
It's not required, but recommended to use wired or wireless headphones with a built-in microphone. They reduce background noise and cut out echo.
1. 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.
2. Enable mic
Make sure your headphones are connected properly and choose a mic from the dropdown menu. You won't be able to continue the test without enabling mic.
3. Turn on your camera
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. You can't enable your camera again however, once the session begins.
Microphone and Screen are required
🚨 Note: If you encounter issues with enabling your microphone or camera, please see one of the following help articles:
4. Share your screen
'Screen recording' is required. This only allows the researcher to see and record your screen. Don't worry, they can't control anything on your screen.
If you have issues with getting screen sharing working, please see of the following help articles
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.
In the window that pops up, select the the image of your desktop/laptop screen and click Share to proceed.
Tip! Share button greyed out? Just click the the image of your desktop/laptop screen in the window above. Presto!
5. 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."The Researcher will be notified that you're ready and waiting!
When the Researcher calls you, just tap Accept to join the session.
6. Time to test
Voilà, now you can see the Researcher on your screen. And they can see you on their screen! Your session has officially begun! 🎉
If you are asked to test a Desktop App, just navigate away from the Chrome window to that app, however keep the Chrome window open.
7. Ending your session
When it's time to end the test, (navigate back to the Participate App if necessary) 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. Otherwise, your participation will not be captured and you may not receive your incentive from your Researcher.
Bravo! Thanks for taking the time to join the session. 🌟
Now you can go ahead and close this window and all windows associated with the test. You can also "remove" the "Participate Chrome Extension" if you'd like.