Moderated Session

Definition, role and responsibilities, how to prepare and how to set up for a moderated session

Key points: - What is a Moderated Session? - Roles and responsibilities in a moderated session - Preparing for a session - Setting up the environment What is a Moderated Session A moderated session is a user research method where a moderator oversees and interacts with participants in real time. This session is particularly useful for gathering qualitative insights, observing user behavior, and obtaining direct feedback on products, services, or prototypes. Roles and Responsibilities: - Moderator: The moderator is responsible for guiding the session, asking questions, and ensuring that participants follow the test plan. They also take notes and manage the overall flow of the session. - Participant: The participant is the user who will interact with the product or service being tested. They provide feedback and insights during the session. - Observer: Observers are individuals who watch the live session but do not actively participate. They may include stakeholders, designers, or other team members interested in the test. Preparing for the Session: - Define Objectives: Clearly define the goals and objectives of the live session. What specific information are you looking to gather? - Recruit Participants: Select and invite participants who match your target user demographics. - Create a Test Plan: Develop a detailed test plan outlining the tasks participants will perform, questions to ask, and scenarios to explore. - Prepare Materials: Ensure that all necessary materials, such as prototypes, questionnaires, or devices, are ready and functional. Setting Up the Environment: - Location: Choose a quiet and well-lit location for the live session. Make sure the environment is free from distractions. - Equipment: All the equipment you need to start up your test is on Crowd. Make sure the device you are using for your test has a good working camera and microphone.

Interpreting moderated session analysis

Accessing and interpreting session analysis is a crucial step in gaining insights from any type of live session, either the instant session or the session scheduled for later. Here are the general steps to access and interpret session analysis: 1. Gather Data: Before you can analyze a session, you need to collect relevant data. This data may include: - Session recordings. - Notes taken during the session. - Participant feedback or survey responses. - Interaction logs or chat transcripts (for recorded sessions). 2. Access Session Data Using Crowd platform to conduct your session, accessing the data may vary: - Session Recordings: If you recorded the session, access the recordings from your live session dashboard by clicking on “view details” on your just concluded meeting. Download or share the recordings as needed. - Notes and Documents: Review any notes or documents that were taken during the session. Ensure that all relevant materials are organized and accessible. - Feedback and Surveys: Retrieve feedback and survey responses from the sources where participants submitted them. This may include email responses or feedback collected through your platform. - Interaction Logs and Chat Transcripts: If you have chat logs or interaction logs from the session, export or access these files as needed. They can provide valuable insights into participant engagement and questions. Tip: This is only available in a recorded session. - Organize the Data - Before you start analyzing the session, organize the data to make it more manageable: - Create a folder or digital workspace where you store all session-related files and documents. 3. Review the Session: - Start by watching or reviewing the session recording if available. Pay attention to participant behavior, discussions, and key moments. Analyze the Data: Here are some steps to help you analyze the session data effectively: - Identify Key Insights: Look for key takeaways, trends, or patterns that emerge from the session. These could be user feedback, common issues, or notable participant reactions. - Categorize Feedback: Organize feedback and observations into categories or themes. For example, categorize feedback as positive, negative, or neutral. This helps in identifying trends. - Quantitative Analysis: If you collected quantitative data (e.g., ratings, survey scores), calculate averages, percentages, or other relevant statistics to quantify participant sentiment or preferences. - Participant Quotes: Highlight specific participant quotes that capture important insights or sentiments. These can be valuable for reporting and sharing findings. - Compare Data: If you conducted multiple sessions or have multiple sources of data, compare them to identify consistencies or discrepancies. 4. Interpret the Findings: - Conclude your analysis. What do the insights and data tell you about the success of the session, participant satisfaction, or the effectiveness of your content or product? 5. Prepare a Report: - Create a report summarizing your findings. Include key insights, trends, quotes, and any recommendations for improvement. 6. Share the Results: - Share the session analysis report with relevant stakeholders, team members, or participants, as appropriate. Communication of findings is crucial for taking action and making improvements. 7. Take Action: - Use the insights gained from the session analysis to make informed decisions. Whether it's improving future sessions, refining your product, or addressing specific issues, taking action based on the analysis is essential. 8. Iterate and Improve: - Continuously refine your sessions and analysis processes based on feedback and insights. Each session should be an opportunity to learn and grow.