Using the Dscout sandbox

To become familiar with Dscout, your Account Manager might set you up with a sandbox to test things out. Use this guide to understand how you can use the Dscout sandbox to learn the ropes of the platform.

Interested in getting started with Dscout? Reach out to [e-mail] for more information!

What can I do in the sandbox?

To begin building research after creating your account (or logging in), click "My Sandbox Project," which takes you inside the test environment. From here, you’ll be able to create as many test missions as you like. Not sure what mission type is right for you? Check out our overview of each mission type here!

Note: While you can build a screener in a sandbox project, you will not be able to launch to Dscout's Scout Panel or test out the participant experience.

In each tool, you can build and customize your project, just like you would with an actual mission.

In usability tests and media surveys, this means creating a one-sitting mission using prompt types such as card sorting, tasks, and talk-out-loud questions.

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In diary studies, this means creating your own questions and activities. Question types allow you to ask for responses with photos, videos, text and more, and activities allow you to ask participants different sets of questions.

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In interview studies, you can set up and test a 1:1 video call with a colleague. This is a great opportunity to experiment with our scheduling and stimuli features. More details on what you can do with Dscout live interviews are here.

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After creating a mission, you can test the full participant experience by clicking the "Test" option—check out the articles below for more on test mode in each mission type:

• Test a usability test.
• Test a media survey.
• Test a diary study.
• Test an interview study.

Can I invite others to build with me?

Of course! Not only can you invite people to participate in your project as a “Scout,” (check out the "test mode" guidance in the section above!), but you also can invite them to help you build your research. To do so, click the + Add button on your project home page, then enter the email address or addresses of the colleagues you'd like to invite. (Learn more about adding collaborators here.)

Next Steps

Interested in getting set up with a Dscout subscription? Reach out to [e-mail] or your Account Manager regarding next steps.

The sandbox is designed to be easy to use and test, but if any questions arise, we’re happy to help. Feel free to search our Help Center for an answer, or email [e-mail] and we’ll assist however we can.