CONCEPT TEST DISCUSSION GUIDE — VELLORA
Updated 2026-10-10. Suggested 25-minute pilot, not a validated timing standard.

RESEARCHER SETUP — COMPLETE BEFORE USE, DO NOT READ ALOUD
Decision to inform:
Relevant audience and screening criteria:
Stimulus/version/link:
Intended meaning and factual limits:
What would change the decision:
Moderator / observer / date:
Consent, data retention, recording permission and access arrangements:
Never promise confidentiality, compensation or features beyond the actual study arrangements.

0–3 MINUTES — INTRODUCTION AND CONSENT
We are exploring an idea, not evaluating your ability. Uncertainty and disagreement are useful. You may skip questions or stop.
[Explain the actual study purpose, data handling and compensation. Ask consent. Request separate recording permission if applicable; do not start recording beforehand.]

3–7 MINUTES — RECENT CONTEXT
Tell me about the most recent time you did [relevant activity].
What triggered it? What did you do? What tools or workarounds were involved?
What happened at the end?

7–9 MINUTES — SHOW THE CONCEPT
Here is the concept material. Please take a look in the way you normally would.
[Do not pitch the benefits or explain the intended answer. Note playback or access issues, time shown, pauses and replays. Label simulated features accurately.]

9–14 MINUTES — UNAIDED UNDERSTANDING
How would you describe this idea to someone who has not seen it?
What would you expect to provide or do first?
What do you believe the product does, and what would remain your responsibility?
Which part is uncertain?
[Capture these answers before any replay or explanation.]

14–20 MINUTES — FIT AND FOLLOW-UP
Thinking of the situation you described earlier, where, if anywhere, might this fit?
What would you continue doing the same way?
What would make this difficult to use in that situation?
What evidence would you need before trying it?
Neutral probes: What led you to that? What happened next? Can you give an example?

20–25 MINUTES — LOCATE CONFUSION AND CLOSE
[Replay only after the first explanation has been recorded. Mark later answers as after replay or explanation.]
What in the material led to that interpretation?
What have we not discussed that matters to this task?
[Thank the participant, explain the actual next steps and contact route.]

OBSERVATION LOG — ONE ENTRY PER OBSERVATION
Participant code (no unnecessary identifying details):
Stimulus version / timestamp / device / sound or caption setup:
Original question:
Exact words or observed action:
Unaided / after replay / after explanation:
Interpretation:
Possible alternative explanation:
Classification: meaning / missing detail / missing proof / poor fit / playback issue
Related source IDs / permission for any reuse:

DECISION REVIEW
Evidence supporting a change:
Contradictory evidence and people missing from the sample:
Proposed revision / owner:
Remaining uncertainty / next test:
Do not turn small-study counts into population rates or interest into proof of future use.

https://vellorastudies.com/templates/concept-test-discussion-guide/