Ever stare down a UX research project, knowing the right participants are key, but unsure how to navigate diverse groups? I’ve been there!
I recently needed to recruit participants internally within my organisation for user interviews with three groups: new joiners, line managers of new joiners, and HR colleagues involved in induction.
Reaching them all through the same internal communication channel added another layer to the challenge.
Three Forms or One? The Spam vs. Confusion Dilemma
Creating three separate recruitment posts for our company’s communication channels felt like spamming, but a single form for all three cohorts risked confusion and irrelevant questions.
Plus, there were bound to be some who fit into multiple categories. So, how do you strike the balance between streamlined recruitment and targeted data?
Enter the Power of Screeners:
During our internal discussion about participant recruitment, my colleague Daniela brought up the idea of using a single Microsoft Forms with branching for the three cohorts.
Her idea and Microsoft Forms’ branching method became my secret weapon. Here’s how I used screeners to recruit the participants:
1. One Form, Tailored Experience:
- One form, multiple entry points: I created a single form with clear starting points for each cohort based on their role or department.
- Branching questions: Once participants selected their entry point, they were directed to relevant questions specific to their experience. This kept the form concise and engaging for each group.
2. Screening Magic:
- Early clarity: Upfront screening questions helped me understand participants’ roles and experiences, ensuring they fit the specific cohort criteria.
- Multiple category selection: For those who belonged to multiple cohorts (e.g., an HR professional who’s also new), they could select all applicable options.
- Segmented analysis: Later, during analysis, I could easily segment responses based on their chosen categories, ensuring no voice was lost.
Bonus Tip: Pilot testing the form
Recognising the potential for confusion with a complex branching form, I gathered feedback from colleagues on clarity and relevance before sharing it. This ensured a smooth and intuitive experience for participants across all three cohorts.
The Takeaway:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to participant recruitment. But by understanding the limitations of single forms and the power of screeners, you can craft a strategy that’s both efficient and effective.
Consider your specific goals, resources, and participant groups to find the right balance. Remember, the key is to gather valuable insights that accurately represent your target audience, no matter how diverse it may be.
Now it’s your turn! Share your experiences with using screeners for UX research, especially in multi-cohort scenarios. What challenges did you face? What tips would you add?
