Live Conversation Guide
Live Conversation Guide for Testers
Userlytics’ Live Conversations web recorder makes it quick and easy for testers to join fun and interesting moderated user experience tests with brands from all around the world. You don’t need to download any type of software, application or extension to join a Live Conversation session, making it incredibly easy to get started.
Below we go over how you can get started on a Live Conversation, how to complete your test, what to expect and more.
What is a Live Conversation?
A Live Conversation is Userlytics’ moderated usability testing feature. The feature allows you to use screen and webcam sharing to be face-to-face with a moderator who will guide you through an interactive user experience test. The whole experience is much like a one-on-one interview, and you will be walked through the entire testing process. Being part of a Live Conversation helps brands improve the usability, function and design of their websites, apps and other platforms.
By participating in a Live Conversation, you are helping make the world more user-friendly!
Who is the Live Conversation Moderator?
The moderator for a Live Conversation is typically either a team member of the brand whose platform or are testing or a Userlytics research expert. The job of the moderator is to guide you through the Live Conversation questions and answer any concerns you may have. You will be able to see and hear the moderator of your Live Conversation test via audio and video sharing.
How will I Receive a Live Conversation Invitation?
If you are not a registered Userlytics tester but someone you know has asked you to participate in their usability study, you may receive your Live Conversation invitation in a few different ways.
One way to receive your Live Conversation invitation is through a personalized email containing a link to the test. Additionally, the test creator may send you the invitation link via another messaging platform, such as Slack or text. Lastly, the test creator may include a Widget on their website that allows anyone to sign-up for their Live Conversation. You will receive several email reminders leading up to the test so that you don’t forget when to sign on!
How do I Schedule a Date and Time for my Live Conversation?
Once you receive a Live Conversation invitation, paste the provided link into your web browser to begin the process of scheduling your test. The first page that appears will have an entry form that asks you to enter your name and email address to begin. After entering your name and email address, click the “Continue” button.
After entering your name and email address, you will be led to a calendar that lists all the available Live Conversation time slots.
Click on the free slot that matches your availability. After clicking on the session time you would like to schedule, A new dialog box will appear detailing the session information. Select the button that says “Book Session.”
After selecting “Book Session,” a new page will appear detailing the session date and time. The page will show some tips for preparing for the Live Conversation and information on how to cancel the session if needed. After booking the session, you will receive a link to join the session in you email inbox. You will also receive email reminders leading up to the session so that you don’t forget. Be sure to enter the link into their browser at least 15 minutes before the session start time!
How Should I Prepare for my Live Conversation?
Ahead of your scheduled session, you should go through the following checklist to make sure everything is ready to go:
Computer / Internet Requirements
- Have your computer handy
- Have the latest version of Google Chrome
- Remover browser firewalls
- Maintain a stable Internet connection (wired connection is preferred, if possible)
- Minimum bandwidth required is 600kbps (up/down) and recommended is 1.5 Mbps (up/down)
Video / Audio Requirements
- Make sure your webcam is set up and working properly
- Use headphones with microphone for the best audio quality
- Maintain one of the following video resolutions:
1280 x 720
640 x 480
320 x 240 - VP8 video format (the WebRTC standard)
Processor and RAM
- RAM: 4GB Minimum
- Processor: Dual Core 2Ghz or Higher (i3/i5/i7 or AMD equivalent)
- For optimum screen sharing performance, on laptops we recommend a quad core processor or higher
Additional Requirements
- Situate yourself in a quiet environment
- Have enough available time to complete the test
What Should I Expect Before Starting the Live Conversation?
Once it is 15 minutes before your scheduled session, follow the Live Conversation link you received in your email inbox. The page you are directed to should contain a button that says “Start Configuration.” Click on this button to be directed to the Live Conversation pre-test.
The purpose of the Live Conversation pre-test is to ensure everything on your computer is working properly so that there will be no errors during the Live Conversation. During the pre-test, you will be guided through a series of prompts and will have to wait a few moments as we assess your system configuration.
As the pre-test is running, a pop-up will appear asking you to share your screen. Please select the indicated screen and click the button that says “Share.”
After the pre-test is complete, a new screen will appear going over the pre-test results. If there are any issues with your system, the pre-test will provide instructions on how to correct them. Once everything checks out, the top of the screen should read “Pre-test checks successful.” Click the “Continue” button to begin the Live Conversation session.
After clicking “Continue”, you will be guided to a new screen. Once you are ready to start the study, click the button that says “Start Live Conversation.”
At this point, the study will begin once you and the moderator have both joined the session. If the moderator has not yet joined the session, you will see a screen with a twenty-minute countdown, indicating the amount of time remaining for the moderator to join the session. Don’t worry – if the moderator does not make the session for some reason, you will still be compensated for your time.
What Should I Expect during the Live Conversation?
Once you join the session, you will see the test moderator on the center of the screen, and your own face on the top right-hand corner of the screen. You will also see a box on the bottom right-hand corner that allows you to chat with the moderator.
After introducing themselves and going over any important information, your moderator will ask you to share your screen so that you can get started with the test activities. When prompted, click the button that says “Share My Screen.”
Next, a pop-up will appear asking you to select what screen you want to share. Click on the option that says “Entire Screen,” and then click the “Share” button.
After sharing your screen with the moderator, they will ask you to begin the test tasks. When you are ready to begin the timed portion of the test, click “Start.” Remember, all feedback is good feedback! If there is something you are unsure about or confused by, be sure to let the moderator know.
Now, you will go through each of the various test tasks. When you are finished with each task, click the “Next” button.
When the participant has completed all their tasks, a new page will appear with a button that says “Finish the Script.” When you are ready, click this button.
The moderator will then thank you for your time and end the session. You will see a screen that shows the moderator is ending the session, before being guided to a final “thank you” screen.
What Functionalities Does the Live Conversation Web Recorder Have?
Our Live Conversation web recorder contains many of the same functionalities as most commonly used video conferencing applications, including the following:
Mute audio or video option
If you need to mute your mic or your video at any point during the test, simply hover your mouse over the image of your webcam feed. If both your mic and camera are working, the mic and camera icons should appear in green.
To turn off your mic, click on the microphone icon until it turns red. Keep in mind that Live Conversations typically require you to speak throughout the duration of the test, so only mute your mic if it is totally necessary.
To turn off your camera, click on the camera icon until it turns red and your screen is video feed is no longer visible. Keep in mind that Live Conversations typically require your face to be visible throughout the duration of the test, so only turn off your camera if it is totally necessary.
Chat
Our web recorder’s chat feature is on the right side of the Live Conversation screen under your webcam feed. Simply click on the chat box, type out your message, and click “Send” to send it to the session moderator. Make sure you pay attention to this box throughout the duration of the Live Conversation, as the moderator may choose to communicate with you in this format depending on the test.
What Happens if I Cannot Attend the Live Conversation Scheduled Time?
When you are scheduling your Live Conversation session, double check that you are available on the date and time you choose. Because of the coordination required to set up a Live Conversation session, it is very important that you are careful when selecting a date and time for your session.
If an unexpected conflict comes up and you can no longer attend your scheduled Live Conversation session, please keep in mind the following:
- You can cancel your test session with no penalty as long as you do so at least 8 hours before the session starts. This gives the moderator time to update their calendar and find a replacement.
- If you fail to show up to your testing session, you will be penalized with a 1-star rating, which will affect your ability to receive future tests.
- If you cancel your session within 8 to 2 hours of the scheduled appointment, you will be penalized with a 1-star rating, which will affect your ability to receive future tests.
- If you cancel your session less than 2 hours before the scheduled appointment for the first time, you will be penalized with a 1-star rating, which will affect your ability to receive future tests. If you cancel your session less than 2 hours before the scheduled appointment for the second time, your account will be suspended for 4 weeks. During this time you will not be able to take any tests. We will automatically resume your account after this period.
What Happens if the Test Creator Cancels the Live Conversation?
If the test creator cancels the Live Conversation more than 4 hours ahead of the scheduled time, you will be given a notice and may be able to schedule a new time if there are any open sessions available.
If the test creator cancels within 2 hours of the scheduled Live Conversation, you will automatically be paid half the test incentive for the inconvenience.
