Observer briefing template

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A free template from Lyssna. Duplicate this page for each study, fill in the session details, adapt it to your needs, and share the link with your observers. For tips on observing, read How to observe user interviews.

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1. Session details

Moderator to fill in before sharing.

Study goal	[What decision will this research inform?]
Research questions	[The 2–3 questions we're trying to answer]
Session dates and times	[Date, time, and time zone for each session]
How to join	[Observer room link, livestream link, or meeting link – and whether to join muted with camera off]
Moderator	[Name]
Co-host or chat contact	[Name of the person watching the chat, if different]
Debrief	[When and where the debrief will happen]

2. Ground rules

The session is for the participant, not the observers. Please tick these off before you join.

Before the session

[ ] I've read the study goal and research questions above.
[ ] I'll join a few minutes early.
[ ] I've written down what I expect to hear, so I can notice when the participant says something different.

During the session

[ ] If I'm on the call, I'll stay muted with my camera off.
[ ] I'll send questions to the moderator, not the participant.
[ ] I'll note problems rather than start designing solutions.
[ ] I won't react where the participant can see or hear me.

After the session

[ ] I'll join the debrief.
[ ] I'll keep participant details confidential.
[ ] I'll treat one session as a clue, not a conclusion.

1. Session details

2. Ground rules

Before the session

During the session

After the session

3. What to watch for