Conducting mobile sessions

Last Updated: 25 Sep 2024

The following are step-by-step instructions for helping participants share their screen with you, whether using Zoom or the “laptop method.”

Screen-sharing method

Confirm with the participant at the beginning of the session that they are using a mobile device (or tablet if applicable), and be prepared to end the session if not.
Make sure they have the Zoom mobile app downloaded, and be prepared to send them a link to it via email if needed.
Note that a security warning about exposing sensitive information may appear when users share their screens via Zoom. Make sure the participant has the chance to read and agree to it before proceeding. Reassure them that we will save recordings only to capture their experience accurately and then dispose of them securely within a week.
Give them step-by-step guidance on how to share their screen.

Tap ‘Share content’ (Green button at the bottom middle of the screen). If you can’t see the zoom menu, tap anywhere on your screen once, and it should appear.
Tap on Screen.
Tap Zoom.
Tap start broadcast. After a count of 3, the entire device screen will be shared in the meeting.
Tap the red bar at the top of your screen when you are ready to end the share.

If the participant is still struggling to share their screen, they can tap "share content," then tap "web URL" and just enter in “VA.gov.”

Tap "Share"
- Tap "Screen"
- May give a "sensitive info" alert
- May ask you to give Zoom permission to display over other apps, toggle yes. The hit the back arrow . Then it might just share your screen.
- Tap "Start now" (maybe)
- For Android troubleshooting, try here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362153-Sharing-your-screen
Don't forget to start the recording!
Ask your participant to be mindful of thinking out loud since you will not be able to see a mouse cursor go through the prototype

The facilitator and the participant join the Zoom call on desktop devices.
The facilitator asks the participant to turn on the webcam.
The facilitator asks the participant to turn their laptop 180 degrees so that the screen faces away from them. Tip: It's easier to explain the method when the facilitator shows it with their computer first.
Once the participant has turned around their computer, the facilitator asks them to adjust the screen angle so that their mobile screen and hands are fully visible to the camera.
Tip: Ask the participant to turn down the brightness on their phone as low as possible. Otherwise, it will look like a flashlight—everything will be washed out.
The facilitator sends the prototype link to the participant so that they can open it on their mobile (e.g., email or SMS). With the live application, the participant opens the app/webpage.
The facilitator moderates the session as planned and observes the user behavior on the screen.