Understand the differences
These are general descriptions. The original listing sets the requirements for each opportunity.
01 / A conversation about your experienceResearch interviews
Explain your routines and decisions, with follow-up questions from a researcher.
- Schedule
- Usually an appointment. Check preparation and any follow-up tasks.
- Setup
- Ask whether audio, camera or screen recording is required.
- Ask yourself
- Can I reserve uninterrupted time and discuss the topic from experience?
Read the participant guide →02 / A discussion with other participantsFocus groups
Share your perspective in a moderated group. You do not need to agree with everyone.
- Schedule
- A shared session time; confirm the time zone or travel location.
- Setup
- Check the group format, recording notice and confidentiality instructions.
- Ask yourself
- Am I comfortable discussing this subject in a group?
Read the participant guide →03 / Help a team understand its productUsability tests
Try a website, app or prototype and explain what is clear or confusing.
- Schedule
- May be a scheduled session or a task you complete within a time window.
- Setup
- Use the requested device. Review screen, microphone and camera permissions.
- Ask yourself
- Do I have the requested device and a suitable place to test?
Read the participant guide →04 / Respond to written questionsSurveys and questionnaires
Answer structured prompts. Check whether the questionnaire is screening or the main paid activity.
- Schedule
- Look for the completion window and whether you can pause.
- Setup
- Confirm supported devices, language and any additional activity.
- Ask yourself
- Is this the main activity, and what do the completion terms say?
Read the participant guide →05 / Capture experiences over timeDiary studies
Make repeated entries about relevant moments, sometimes with photos or a follow-up interview.
- Schedule
- A commitment across days or weeks. Check entry frequency and deadlines.
- Setup
- Ask what you must record, where entries go and how missed entries are handled.
- Ask yourself
- Can I maintain the requested routine for the whole study?
Read the participant guide →06 / Follow instructions at your own paceUnmoderated tasks
Work through prompts without a researcher present. Some tasks ask you to speak aloud.
- Schedule
- Often a completion window; the actual instructions determine flexibility.
- Setup
- Check task instructions and recording requirements before starting.
- Ask yourself
- Are the instructions clear enough to complete independently?
Read the participant guide →