Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “write discussion guides, screeners and surveys”

Here is the best way to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today and, for AI fixes, a prompt to copy.

60 min
typically, once a week
60%
of the time can be automated
Easy
to set up

Fix 1 of 1

AI

Draft the discussion guide and screener with AI

AI produces a solid first guide and screener from your research questions, including neutral wording and follow-up probes.

Typically saves about 50% of the time5 min to set up
  1. 1Write your research goals and questions.
  2. 2Run the prompt below.
  3. 3Remove leading questions and adjust the timing.
  4. 4Pilot it with one colleague before the first session.
Prompt to copy
Write a [45]-minute interview discussion guide for research on [TOPIC] with [PARTICIPANT TYPE]. Research questions: [LIST]. Include: intro and consent script, warm-up, main sections mapped to each research question with open, non-leading questions and follow-up probes, and a wrap-up. Add timings. Then write a 6-question screener that selects [CRITERIA] and screens out [EXCLUSIONS].

Tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Microsoft Copilot

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

UX researcher

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Take the free check Scan my team, $49

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

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