Full moderator script for user interviews. Intro and consent, warm-up, main sections (behaviour / motivation / pain), close. Adapt the prompts for your topic; the structure holds across most interview research.
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# Discussion Guide
**Project:** [Short title]
**Moderator:** [Name]
**Session length:** [60 minutes typical]
**Topic:** [One sentence]
## Pre-session checklist
- [ ] Recording set up and tested
- [ ] Consent form reviewed with participant
- [ ] Incentive logistics confirmed
- [ ] Note-taker briefed
## 1. Intro (3–5 min)
> Hi [name], thanks for making the time. I'm [name], I work on [team]. This is [note-taker]. We're doing some research to understand how people [general topic] and we really appreciate you spending the time with us.
>
> A few things before we start: there are no right or wrong answers, we're learning from you. Please think out loud if you can — whatever's running through your head is useful. If I ask something that doesn't apply or feels awkward, you can skip it. We're recording the session for our notes — is that OK with you?
## 2. Warm-up (5 min)
- Can you tell me briefly what you do day to day?
- How did you first start [relevant behaviour]?
- Walk me through where [topic] fits in a typical week.
## 3. Behaviour (15–20 min)
Ask about recent, specific actions — avoid hypotheticals.
- Tell me about the last time you [action]. Walk me through it step by step.
- What was going on just before you did that?
- Can you show me how you'd do it right now, if you have it to hand?
- (Follow-up as needed) What were you doing just before that? And then?
## 4. Motivation (10–15 min)
- What were you trying to achieve?
- What would success look like for you here?
- What made you choose [action] rather than [alternative]?
- What did you expect would happen next?
## 5. Pain (10 min)
- Where in that flow did you notice yourself slowing down?
- What was frustrating about [specific moment]?
- Have you ever worked around that? Tell me how.
- If you could change one thing, what would it be?
## 6. Close (5 min)
- Is there anything I should have asked but didn't?
- Who else do you know who would see this very differently?
- Any questions for me?
> Thanks so much — this has been really useful. We'll [next step on incentive]. If you think of anything after we hang up, feel free to email [address].
## Post-session
- [ ] Save recording
- [ ] Transfer notes to synthesis tool
- [ ] Flag any immediate insights for the team