> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/interview-studies/what-are-interview-studies-in-dscout/device-options-in-an-interview-study.md). # Device options in an interview study When creating an interview study, you’ll be prompted to select a device type for participants to use when joining their sessions: either a **mobile** device or a **desktop** computer. While participants are required to use your study’s selected device type, researchers will always join a session using a computer. ![](/files/b2575831fbd7680f7e3b86f7b5304385de581a2c) {% hint style="info" %} **Note:** Interview studies do not support tablets. Mobile studies require a mobile phone to participate. {% endhint %} Each device type fits a different purpose, so here’s some guidance to help you choose: * **Mobile:** Best for simulating a mobile app or experience. For example, if you want to share a mobile prototype with participants, you’re best off conducting a mobile interview study.
**Note:** In order to join a mobile interview study, participants must use a device that meets Dscout’s minimum device requirements. For more information, see [Minimum device requirements](https://participanthelp.dscout.com/hc/en-us/articles/35668393762196-Minimum-device-requirements). * **Desktop:** Best for conducting media-heavy interviews. For example, if you plan to share complex prototypes or a lot of stimuli, you’re best off conducting a desktop interview study. | Capability | Desktop | Mobile | | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | In-session chat | ✅ | ❌ | | Researcher screenshare | ✅ | ❌ | | Participant screenshare | ✅ | ✅ | | Simultaneous screenshare and camera capture | ✅ |

✅

Note: Camera capture is paused if the participant leaves the Dscout app while sharing their screen.

| | Remote access to moderator and/or participant screens | ❌ | ❌ | | Audio capture | ✅ |

✅

Note: Some mobile devices override microphone access to the Dscout app, which can occasionally affect audio capture. If you run into this issue, see Troubleshooting an interview session for more information.

| | Support for observers and guests | ✅ |

✅

Note: Inviting more than five observers or guests to a session may result in call quality degradation.

| | Multiple moderators | ✅ (On supported Dscout plans) | ❌ | | Participants must join using a desktop web browser | ✅ | ❌ | | Participants must join using the Dscout app | ❌ | ✅ | {% hint style="success" %} **Tip:** If you need to accommodate a participant who doesn’t meet your selected device type, you can conduct their interview session outside of the Dscout platform and then upload a recording of their session to your study. For more information, see [Upload an external interview session](/interview-studies/manage-an-interview-study/upload-an-external-interview-session.md). {% endhint %} ## Change interview study device type You’ll select your device type when you create a new interview study. However, you can change your selection prior to launch from the **Setup** tab of your study. **To change your study’s device type:** {% hint style="info" %} **Note:** You cannot change your study’s device type once your study is launched. {% endhint %} {% stepper %} {% step %} Navigate to the **Setup** tab of your study. Then, select **Details**. {% endstep %} {% step %} Click anywhere in the **Specs** section. ![](/files/e657b3a08d7ad851f99b8b9306cac0f56f9384b4) {% endstep %} {% step %} Select a **Device** (desktop or mobile). ![](/files/71fd3fb8e19c3c232cc8e89c04a1619907094914) {% endstep %} {% step %} Click **Done**. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} Now, your study’s device type has been updated. When you launch your study, participants will be notified and instructed to use the appropriate device when joining their session. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.dscout.com/interview-studies/what-are-interview-studies-in-dscout/device-options-in-an-interview-study.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.