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.

Note: Interview studies do not support tablets. Mobile studies require a mobile phone to participate.

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.
• 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	❌	✅

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.

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:

Note: You cannot change your study’s device type once your study is launched.

1

Navigate to the Setup tab of your study. Then, select Details.

2

Click anywhere in the Specs section.

3

Select a Device (desktop or mobile).

4

Click Done.

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.