A frequent request of our clients is to create research video reports using user generated footage. In the past this was a bit more cumbersome and meant shipping a camera to the respondent so that they could shoot themselves in a reasonable quality. These days with the advances in smart phone video quality, much can be done using only this device that most people already possess.

While it is possible to record a conversation online via Zoom, Skype, Webex, FaceTime, etc., we utilize a two camera approach where the interview is conducted via laptop or secondary device using video chat software, and the phone is mounted nearby to act as the video camera. This is similar to what we would do in a live setting where the camera is passive to the interview process.

Files are then uploaded to a file sharing service to ensure that we are working with the best possible version of the file. Many video sharing or messenger services will compress the video first. By utilizing a service like Dropbox or Google Docs we ensure the best quality result and a video quality that is surprisingly good.

We also provide the respondents with instructions on how to best setup their phone for recording. This ensures proper lighting and sound quality that is consistent across interviews.

Finally, the most important part of the process is the interview itself. We have been filming and conducting interviews for research and strategic communication for many years now and can bring the best stories and insights to life in an informative and actionable manner. That part just takes experience :)

Please drop us a line if you have any questions or if we can help your organization with their remote qualitative research needs.