Home Interviews Interview Scheduling: Complete Guide to Setting Up User Research Sessions

Interview Scheduling: Complete Guide to Setting Up User Research Sessions

Last updated on May 26, 2025

An interview is a user research method where a moderator oversees and interacts with participants in real time. This method is particularly useful for gathering qualitative insights, observing user behavior, and obtaining direct feedback on products, services, or prototypes. It provides a deeper understanding of participants' thought processes and decision making, offering valuable insights for product improvement. Interviews can also be recorded for later analysis and review.

Roles in an Interview

Moderator: Guides the session, asks questions, ensures participants follow the test plan, takes notes, and manages the overall flow of the session.

Participant: Interacts with the product or service being tested and provides feedback and insights during the session.

Observer: Watches the live session without actively participating. Only workspace members can join as observers.

How to Schedule an Interview

You can either schedule a session for later or start an instant session.

Starting an Instant Session

1. Initiate Session:

  • Click on the "Interview" icon on your Crowd dashboard.

2. Schedule First Interview:

  • Click on the "Schedule First Interview" button.

  • Select "Start an Instant Session."

3. Enter Session Details:

  • Enter the session name.

  • To add multiple participants, click on the "Group Session" button. Enter participant names and click the plus sign (+) to add more participants. To delete participants, click on the delete icon (optional).

4. Create Session:

  • Click on "Create" to start an instant session.

  • Copy the autogenerated links and share them with your participants or observers.

  • The moderator starts the meeting by clicking the "Join as Moderator" button. Note that participants and observers cannot join until the moderator starts the session.

Scheduling a Session for Later

1. Initiate Scheduling:

  • After clicking the "Schedule first Interview" button, select "Schedule a Session for Later."

2. Fill Out Session Details:

  • Enter the session name, participant names, emails (add multiple participants if needed), date, and duration. The end time will be automatically populated based on your plan when you enter the start time.

3. Create Session:

  • Click on "Create" to schedule your interview.

  • Copy the autogenerated links and share them with your participants or observers.

4. Access Scheduled Session: At the scheduled time, the moderator should click on the session and join the meeting as Moderator.

Session Guide:

The session guide provides guidance to moderators who need help conducting a successful interview. Access the session guide by clicking the "Check out Session Guide" button or via this link.

For a visual walkthrough, you can watch this demo video