60-Minute Conversation Guide Template

This guide helps structure a one-hour research interview with enough time for rapport, exploration, and follow-up.

Before you start

Pair with a notetaker — You facilitate, they capture tone and context. If you’re solo, get participant consent to use AI transcription.

Customize probes — Add specifics relevant to your particular project (e.g. eligibility process, digital form, service navigation, language access, etc.).

Review screener responses — Know who you’re talking to before the session starts.

Welcome & Setup (~5 min)

• Greet the participant, introduce yourself and role
• Briefly explain session purpose and what you’ll discuss
• Confirm consent (recording vs. detailed notes)
• Start recording
• Reassure: session is “just you and me”—observers are silent
• Answer participant questions before starting

Begin with rapport

Set tone, put them at ease. Use plain language and make sure they feel comfortable.

Context & Background (~10 min)

Ask about participant’s background with the topic:

• For example: “Can you tell me how you currently interact with [service/system]?”
• Probe: motivations, frustrations, frequency, alternatives

Use open-ended questions

Encourage real insight. Listen deeply and pause for silence — Give them room to reflect.

Deep Dive: Key Topic Area (~15 min)

• Introduce a specific aspect of the project (e.g. navigation, support, onboarding)
• Ask open-ended question followed by detail prompts:
• “Walk me through your last experience…”
• Probe on emotions, pain points, workarounds, expectations

Stay adaptable

If a participant brings up something unexpected but valuable, explore it. Don’t stick rigidly to your script.

Feature / Prototype Feedback (if applicable) (~15 min)

• Present a concept or workflow (mockup, description, etc.)
• Ask for first impressions: “What stands out to you here?”
• Explore clarity, usability, suggestions: “What would make this easier?”

Let participants react naturally

Silence is okay—give them time to process.

Broader Reactions & Alternatives (~10 min)

• “If we were to redesign [the experience], what would a better version look like?”
• Accept alternate ideas even if they’re unconventional
• Ask for “wish-list” features or removal of current pain points

Encourage big thinking

Even “unrealistic” ideas can reveal what people truly value.

Wrapping Up (~5 min)

• Ask if the participant has any final thoughts
• Invite participation in future studies
• Explain next steps: how findings will be used, when they might see updates
• If you want, ask the participant if they would be willing to participate in future research sessions
• Thank them and remind them about compensation (if applicable)

End warmly

This is relationship-building, not just data collection.