How to Use Lookback for User Research and Remote Testing

Lookback is a powerful platform designed for user research and remote usability testing. It enables researchers, designers, and product teams to conduct live interviews, unmoderated sessions, and in-depth user studies. This guide will walk you through the features of Lookback and how to use it effectively for gathering insights and improving your designs.

What is Lookback?

Lookback is a user research platform that facilitates remote user testing and interviews. It allows you to record user interactions with your product, gather feedback, and observe user behavior in real-time. Lookback is particularly useful for:

• Live Interviews: Conducting remote user interviews with video and screen sharing.

• Unmoderated Tests: Setting up tasks for users to complete on their own time while recording their screen, voice, and facial expressions.

• User Studies: Collecting qualitative insights from real users to inform design decisions.

• Team Collaboration: Allowing team members to join sessions live or review recordings later.

Key Features of Lookback

• Live Interviews: Real-time user interviews with options for screen sharing and observer chat.

• Unmoderated Tests: Users can complete tasks independently while Lookback records their interactions.

• Session Recording: Record sessions, including video, audio, screen interactions, and user expressions.

• Observer Role: Team members can watch live sessions without interrupting the flow of the interview.

• Annotations and Highlights: Mark important moments during or after sessions for easy reference.

• Flexible Recruitment: Use Lookback’s built-in recruitment or bring your own participants.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Lookback

1. Create an Account

To start using Lookback:

1. Go to Lookback.

2. Sign up for a free trial or select a plan that suits your needs.

3. Once your account is set up, you can start creating projects and scheduling sessions.

2. Setting Up a Project

To create a project for your user research:

1. Log in to your Lookback account and click "New Project."

2. Enter a name and description for your project to keep your research organized.

3. Choose the type of sessions you want to run (Live Interview, Self-Test, or Unmoderated Task).

3. Running a Live Interview

For real-time user feedback:

1. Schedule a session by selecting "Live Interview" from your project.

2. Invite participants by sending them a unique link to join the session.

3. At the scheduled time, start the session. You can share your screen, guide participants through tasks, and ask questions.

4. Observers from your team can join silently, view the session live, and chat with you without disrupting the session.

5. Record the session, including video, audio, and on-screen interactions, for later analysis.

4. Conducting Unmoderated Tests

To gather feedback without direct moderation:

1. Choose "Unmoderated Task" when setting up a new session.

2. Define the tasks you want users to complete. You can set instructions and questions that will guide participants through the process.

3. Send the task link to your participants. They can complete the task at their own pace while Lookback records their screen, voice, and facial reactions.

4. Review the recorded sessions later to analyze user behavior and gather insights.

5. Analyzing Sessions

After your sessions are complete:

1. Access recordings from your Lookback dashboard.

2. Use the built-in tools to annotate important moments, add comments, and highlight key insights.

3. Share sessions and insights with your team by exporting videos or sharing links directly from Lookback.

4. Review patterns and common issues across multiple sessions to inform design improvements.

6. Recruiting Participants

For flexible participant recruitment:

1. Use Lookback’s recruitment services to find participants that match your target demographic.

2. Alternatively, invite your own participants by sending them a session link.

3. Ensure that participants have the necessary setup (e.g., webcam, microphone) for a smooth session.

Tips for Using Lookback

• Prepare Thoroughly: Before conducting live interviews, create a detailed script or checklist to ensure you cover all necessary topics.

• Engage Participants: Build rapport with participants during live sessions to make them feel comfortable and provide honest feedback.

• Iterate Based on Feedback: Use insights from Lookback sessions to refine your designs and iterate on your product.

• Involve Your Team: Encourage team members to watch live sessions or review recordings to build a shared understanding of user needs.

Conclusion

Lookback is an essential tool for any team focused on user-centered design and development. It provides a comprehensive platform for conducting remote user research, allowing you to gather valuable insights through live interviews, unmoderated tests, and detailed session recordings. By integrating Lookback into your design process, you can make informed decisions that lead to more user-friendly and effective products.