How to Set Up a Desktop versus Mobile App Interview

With Strella, you can run interviews across both desktop and mobile — giving you flexibility to meet participants wherever they are. Each setup offers unique advantages depending on your research goals. Here’s how to choose the right format and set it up in just a few steps.

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🧭 Choosing the Right Format

Desktop interviews are best for in-depth conversations and tasks that require screen sharing or detailed feedback.
Mobile interviews are ideal when you want to capture real-world behavior, quick reactions, or mobile usability experiences.

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💻 Desktop Interviews

Best for:

• Website or prototype testing
• Concept feedback or ad testing with multiple visuals
• Longer interviews (15–30 minutes)
• Professional audiences or participants using a laptop for work

How to set it up:

1. In your project, navigate to the Settings cogwheel in the top-right corner.
2. Then click into the "Interview Setup" tab on the left-hand side.
3. Scroll down until you see "Permitted devices" and select "Desktop only" from the dropdown.
4. If needed, enable screen sharing for tasks like website or prototype walkthroughs.
5. Test your visuals (PDFs, links, videos) to ensure they render clearly on larger screens.
6. Launch your study — participants will access the interview through the Strella desktop link.

📱 Mobile Interviews

Best for:

• Usability testing on mobile apps or mobile websites
• In-the-moment feedback (e.g., shopping experiences, travel, or product use)
• On-the-go research where participants can record reactions in real settings
• Short, conversational interviews (5–15 minutes)

How to set it up:‍

1. In your project, navigate to the Settings cogwheel in the top-right corner.
2. Then click into the "Interview Setup" tab on the left-hand side.
3. Scroll down until you see "Permitted devices" and select "Mobile app" from the dropdown.
4. If needed, enable screen sharing for tasks like mobile app walkthroughs.
5. Once published, participants can join via the Strella iOS app (U.S. only for now).
6. Add clear setup instructions in your screener survey — e.g., “Are you able and willing to download the Strella app to complete this interview?”
7. Keep interview guides shorter and more conversational — attention spans on mobile are tighter.
8. Use prompts and tasks that fit mobile behavior, like:
   • “Show us how you use this app.”
   • “Record your experience while trying [product].”
   • “Walk through your morning routine.”