This article is about running a UX research in Zoom using the Speed Dating format, also known as 1DayResearch, Designers do research or User Hour. It typically involves 4–6 meetings with users, each lasting 15–20 minutes, where the session is conducted by a product manager, designer or marketer.

Even though this format may not be suitable for every research type, it represents a confident step toward research democratization.

Timeline of running UX speed dating

applications collecting (3 days)
We created a wiki-page explaining the Speed Dating concept. Every two weeks we send a link to the application form and applications are being collected for 3 days. A minimum of three interested participants is required to proceed with further steps. This threshold ensures sufficient diversity for meaningful insights
respondents recruiting (3 days)
We allocate 3 days for recruiting, which is typically sufficient in our case. However, the duration can vary depending on the project’s specific needs and target audience
planning sessions (3 days)
During this phase, we focus on technical setup and methodological preparation. As for Zoom, we test screen sharing capabilities and set up remote access control if needed. We create a mini-guide for session conductors, covering key points. And we assist in determining the best way to assemble prototypes and develop testing scenarios tailored to their specific project needs
speed dating (1 day)
I’ll tell about this in the next chapter
debriefing (1 day)
We analyze and synthesize the insights gathered from our Speed Dating sessions. During this process, we critically evaluate the effectiveness of our research format. For instance, in the first debriefing, we realized that our initial model of 6 respondents over 1.5 hours was challenging for both interviewers and respondents. We also found that 15-minute sessions were often insufficient for our product context. As a result of this debriefing, we modified our approach to 20-minute meetings split into morning and evening sessions with 3 respondents each

How to Run UX Speed Dating in Zoom

Create breakout rooms in the Zoom meeting

Screenshot of creating breakout rooms in the Zoom meeting

Rename rooms using participants’ names

Make co-hosts for recording ability (hosts can’t record in rooms they’re not in)

Make co-hosts for recording ability (hosts can’t record in rooms they’re not in)

Deliver intro speech to respondents. Keep it informal to encourage open and honest feedback
Assign respondents to the correct rooms

Broadcast timing reminders (e.g., 5 minutes remaining). Don’t worry if tests take different amounts of time (5–20 minutes)

Screenshot of broadcast timing reminders (e.g., 5 minutes remaining). Don’t worry if tests take different amounts of time (5–20 minutes)

Fill in the respondent schedule. Assign specific times and respondent names. You can use my file as a template↗. This organized approach will streamline your research process

Screenshot of the table with session and respondents

Conclusion

UX Speed Dating has proven to be a valuable tool in democratizing user research, making it more accessible. The steady demand for this format over the past year demonstrates its effectiveness in rapid gathering of user insights. By enabling product managers, designers, and marketers to conduct brief yet insightful sessions, this method has fostered a culture of user-centric decision-making
Zoom presented itself as an effective platform for UX Speed Dating in my experience, offering flexibility and useful features for remote research
I’m eager to hear about your experiences with this method. Whether you’ve used Zoom or other tools and approaches, please let me know. Sharing our insights can help us all improve this rapid research technique