Create Moderated Studies 🎦

Overview

Moderated Studies in Fuel Cycle let you conduct live usability sessions where you can watch participants interact with your product, ask questions in real time, and capture both qualitative and quantitative data.

You can host 1:1 interviews or group discussions, invite observers to watch and take notes without interrupting, and receive recordings, transcripts, and AI-generated summaries for faster analysis.

When to Use a Moderated Study

Moderated studies are best when you need:

• Real-time feedback during task execution.
• Clarification on user behavior or decisions.
• Observation of complex workflows that may require live guidance.
• Collaborative observation, allowing other stakeholders to watch and note insights.

Start a New Study

1. From the Studies dashboard, click Create New Study.
2. In the Create a New Study modal, select Moderated.
   
3. Click Continue.

Add Study Details

1. Enter a Study Name — this will be visible to participants.
2. Set the Number of Sessions you plan to run (max 50).
   
3. Choose the Desktop Device Type. Mobile is coming soon.
4. Click Save & Continue.

Invite Participants

1. On the Participants tab, copy the generated invite link.
   
2. Use the default invite message or customize it before sending.
3. Share the link via email, chat, or your recruitment platform.
4. Instruct participants to:
   • Use a desktop browser.
   • Enable their webcam and microphone.
   • Have a stable internet connection

Launch the Study

1. From your study’s Summary tab, click Start Session.
   
2. Choose your role:
   • Join as Moderator:
     • Engage with participants directly.
     • Take notes in-session.
     • Chat privately with observers.
   • Join as Observer:
     • Watch the session without interacting.
     • Take time-stamped notes.
     • Chat privately with the moderator.

Configure Your Setup

Before joining:

1. Select your Camera, Microphone, and Speaker from the dropdown menus.
   
2. Toggle Video and Microphone on or off as needed.
   
3. Check your video preview and audio level indicators.
4. Click Join Now.

Conduct the Session

Moderator Responsibilities

• Greet participants and explain the session format.
• Share task prompts verbally or via chat.
• Encourage think-aloud responses.
• Follow up with clarifying questions.
• Share your screen if necessary.
• Start and stop recording as needed.

Observer Responsibilities

• Watch silently without participant awareness.
• Take detailed, time-stamped notes.
• Use private chat to coordinate with the moderator.

End and Save the Session

1. Click the red End Call button when finished.
2. If you recorded the session:
   • The video, audio, and screen share will be saved.
   • An automatic transcript will be generated.
   • AI will produce a session summary.

Best Practices

• Pilot your session internally to confirm settings and flow.
• Limit sessions to 3–5 key tasks to reduce fatigue.
• Use neutral, non-leading prompts.
• Tag moments as they happen for faster analysis later.
• Coordinate with observers via private chat instead of interrupting the participant.

FAQ