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User Research
December 15, 2025

How to run Zoom focus groups: Step-by-step walkthrough

Zoom focus groups: prep tech & consent, recruit screened participants, moderate with polls/breakouts, record securely, and synthesize actionable insights.

Online research methods have revolutionized the way researchers gather insights, making it easier than ever to connect with participants across different locations and backgrounds. By conducting online focus groups, researchers can efficiently reach their target audience without the limitations of geography or travel. This approach is especially valuable for qualitative research, where understanding the perspectives and experiences of diverse participants is crucial. Online focus groups are now a staple in the market research industry, enabling teams to collect rich, actionable insights that inform product development, marketing strategies, and user experience improvements. Whether you’re exploring new concepts, testing products, or seeking feedback from general consumers, online research methods provide the flexibility and scalability needed to meet your research goals.

Why product teams choose Zoom for focus groups

Remote focus groups through Zoom eliminate geographic constraints, reduce costs, and provide flexible scheduling compared to in-person sessions. Zoom is one of several videoconferencing platforms suitable for remote focus groups. Product teams save 60-70% on facility rental, travel expenses, and participant incentives while accessing broader demographic representation.

Spotify’s user research team conducts 40+ Zoom focus groups monthly across 15 countries to test feature concepts, gathering feedback from premium subscribers, free users, and podcast listeners without international travel budgets. Their remote approach reduced research costs from $8,000 per study to $2,500 while increasing participant diversity.

Airbnb’s product researchers use Zoom focus groups to interview hosts and guests simultaneously, observing interaction dynamics that inform platform improvements. Recording capabilities, screen sharing for prototype testing, and breakout rooms for smaller discussions provide functionality unavailable in traditional settings. Compared to traditional focus groups, online sessions typically involve fewer participants—usually three to eight—to ensure effective communication and richer data collection.

However, Zoom focus groups require careful planning around technical setup, participant engagement strategies, and moderation techniques that differ from in-person facilitation. Missing visual cues, potential connectivity issues, and screen fatigue demand adjusted approaches. Microsoft Teams is another popular videoconferencing platform used for virtual focus groups, offering similar features for remote qualitative research. As work and research environments continue to evolve, online focus groups are likely to remain a practical solution for research in the future.

Benefits of Online Focus Groups

Online focus groups offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive alternative to traditional in-person focus groups. One of the most significant advantages is the ability for participants to join from anywhere with internet access, removing barriers related to location and travel. This expanded reach allows researchers to include a broader and more diverse group of participants, leading to more comprehensive insights. Online focus groups also tend to be more cost-effective, as they eliminate expenses related to venue rental, travel, and on-site logistics. The convenience of participating from home or a familiar environment often encourages more thoughtful responses, as participants feel more at ease sharing their opinions. Additionally, the digital format makes it easier for researchers to record, transcribe, and analyze discussions, streamlining the process of identifying key themes and trends. Overall, online focus groups provide researchers with greater flexibility, efficiency, and the ability to generate high-quality insights.

Technical setup and preparation

Successful Zoom focus groups begin with proper account configuration, testing protocols, and backup systems. As Zoom is an online platform, it is essential to select the right online platform to ensure effective focus group sessions. Both moderators and participants should be comfortable with the technology, including features like screen sharing and chat, to facilitate smooth virtual discussions.

Zoom account configuration

Use Zoom Business or Enterprise accounts providing 300-participant capacity, unlimited meeting duration, cloud recording storage, and advanced features. Product research teams avoid free accounts limiting 40-minute sessions that interrupt discussion flow.

Enable waiting rooms preventing participants from joining before moderators are ready. This allows technical checks, co-moderator briefings, and controlled admission managing arrival timing.

Configure breakout rooms in advance for small group discussions. Notion's research team pre-assigns participants to breakout rooms based on user personas, allowing targeted conversations about specific workflows before reconvening for full-group synthesis.

Set up automatic cloud recording with separate audio files for transcription services. Local recording risks data loss from computer failures and requires manual backup processes.

Enable non-verbal feedback tools including raise hand, yes/no responses, and reaction emojis. These features help participants signal agreement, request speaking turns, or provide quick feedback during concept evaluations.

Pre-session technical testing

Conduct test meetings 48 hours before sessions, inviting participants to verify audio, video, and connectivity. This identifies technical issues when there’s time to troubleshoot rather than during the actual focus group. Smartphones are easily accessible for most participants, making it convenient for them to join video focus groups from anywhere.

HubSpot’s research team sends personalized testing invitations with step-by-step connection instructions, system requirement checks, and troubleshooting resources. They schedule 15-minute testing windows offering technical support, reducing day-of-session delays by 80%.

Prepare backup communication channels including phone numbers and email addresses for participants experiencing connectivity problems. Slack’s research operations team maintains a dedicated phone line for technical support during sessions.

Test screen sharing capabilities if showing prototypes, websites, or stimulus materials. Verify participants can view shared content clearly and understand interaction instructions.

Create a technical checklist covering internet speed requirements (minimum 3 Mbps upload/download), device compatibility, browser versions, and audio equipment recommendations. Canvas sends this checklist 5 days before sessions with links to Zoom’s system testing tools.

Moderator and observer setup

Use two computers for moderator duties: one for facilitating discussion and monitoring participants, another for reviewing discussion guides, taking notes, and managing stimuli. This dual-screen approach prevents fumbling between windows during critical moments.

Designate a co-moderator managing technical issues, monitoring chat for questions, tracking time, and handling late arrivals. This allows the primary moderator to focus entirely on facilitation and participant engagement.

Miro's research team positions observers in a separate Zoom room accessing the session via livestream, preventing participant distraction from multiple attendees. Observers submit questions through a shared document rather than interrupting flow.

Set up a private moderator chat channel for real-time communication between facilitators and observers. This enables silent coordination about probing questions, timing adjustments, and participant management without disrupting the session.

Prepare stimulus materials including prototypes, concept images, competitor examples, and feature mockups in cloud-accessible locations. Figma's research team uploads all materials to a shared Google Drive folder with direct links in their discussion guide.

Creating a Moderator’s Guide

A well-crafted moderator’s guide is essential for conducting effective online focus groups. This guide serves as the blueprint for the group discussion, outlining the key topics, specific questions, and ground rules that will shape the session. It helps ensure that the conversation remains focused and that all participants have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives. The moderator’s guide should also include strategies for addressing sensitive topics, managing group dynamics, and encouraging quieter participants to share their views. By establishing clear ground rules and a logical flow for the discussion, researchers can create a safe and productive environment that fosters open communication and yields valuable insights. Thoughtful preparation of the moderator’s guide is a critical step in maximizing the effectiveness of your online focus groups.

Participant recruitment and management

Effective Zoom focus group recruitment considers technical capability, scheduling flexibility, and incentive structures suited for remote participation. Identifying potential participants who meet the study's demographic and technical criteria is essential for successful recruitment.

Screening processes should focus on selecting the right participants to ensure meaningful and relevant group discussions that align with research objectives.

Generating interest through social media or other channels can help attract a diverse pool of participants, increasing engagement and participation in the research process.

Recruitment criteria and screening

Define participant criteria including product usage patterns, demographic characteristics, technical proficiency, and availability. Screen for minimum technical requirements including reliable internet, working webcam, and quiet environment.

Asana's recruitment screener includes questions about internet connectivity, device types, participation location, and backup options. They exclude participants planning to join from public spaces, moving vehicles, or shared offices where privacy and focus are compromised.

Assess communication style and engagement willingness through screening questions. Look for participants providing detailed responses rather than one-word answers, indicating they'll contribute meaningfully to group discussions.

Set participant numbers at 6-8 individuals for optimal Zoom focus groups. Smaller than traditional 8-10 person in-person groups compensates for reduced visual attention and screen-based interaction challenges. Airtable's research team found 6-participant groups generated comparable insight volume to 8-person in-person sessions.

Recruit 2-3 alternates for each session, expecting 10-15% no-show rates despite confirmation reminders. Over-recruiting by 25% ensures adequate attendance when participants forget, encounter technical issues, or cancel last-minute.

Pre-session communication

Send calendar invitations 2 weeks in advance with Zoom links, agenda overviews, and technical requirements. Include clear instructions about joining from quiet locations with stable internet and working audio/video.

Monday.com‘s research operations team sends a 3-touchpoint communication sequence: initial invitation with session details, 48-hour reminder with testing instructions, and 2-hour pre-session reminder with final participation guidelines.

Provide participation instructions explaining discussion format, expected duration, break timing, and compensation details. Set expectations about camera-on requirements, background settings, and appropriate environments.

Send a consent form to inform participants about the study's goals and procedures, along with confidentiality agreements, electronically through DocuSign or similar platforms 5 days before sessions. This ensures informed consent, addresses privacy concerns, and prevents session-day delays while participants review and sign documents.

Offer pre-session orientation calls for first-time focus group participants or those expressing technical concerns. Dropbox’s research team provides optional 10-minute orientation sessions explaining participation expectations and answering questions.

Incentive structures for remote participation

Adjust incentive amounts for remote convenience and reduced time commitment. While in-person focus groups typically offer $100-150 for 90-minute sessions including travel time, Zoom sessions may justify $75-100 for equivalent discussion length.

Provide digital incentives including Amazon gift cards, PayPal transfers, or Tremendous rewards delivered within 24 hours of participation. Immediate compensation acknowledgment in closing remarks confirms participants will receive promised incentives.

Shopify's research team offers tiered incentives: $75 for standard 60-minute sessions, $100 for 90-minute discussions, and $125 for sessions requiring pre-work or multiple touchpoints. This reflects actual time investment while maintaining budget efficiency.

Consider non-monetary incentives for existing customers including extended trial periods, feature early access, or product credits. Notion offers Professional plan upgrades to focus group participants, providing $96 annual value while gathering feedback from engaged users.

Moderation techniques for virtual environments

Zoom moderation requires adapted techniques managing screen-based interaction limitations while maintaining engagement and conversational flow. Moderators should leverage Zoom's features—such as breakout rooms, polls, and chat—and adapt their facilitation style to create an engaging experience for all participants.

Opening and warm-up strategies

Begin with clear audio/video checks asking each participant to introduce themselves, state their location, and confirm they can hear others clearly. This technical verification doubles as an icebreaker establishing everyone's voice and presence.

Use visual warm-ups displaying images, scenarios, or questions in screen shares that participants react to through chat or unmuting. Figma's research team shows screenshots of competitor products asking participants to share first impressions via chat before verbal discussion, ensuring everyone contributes immediately.

Explain virtual discussion norms including raising hands before speaking, using chat for questions or side comments, and keeping cameras on for non-verbal communication. Establish these expectations upfront rather than correcting throughout.

Create introductory activities suitable for virtual formats. Webflow asks participants to share one thing visible in their current environment that relates to the discussion topic, generating authentic context while building comfort with speaking on camera.

Set discussion guidelines addressing camera positioning (face visible at eye level), muting when not speaking to reduce background noise, and minimizing multitasking. Frame these as collaborative agreements rather than strict rules.

Facilitating engagement and participation

Call on participants by name when soliciting responses, preventing awkward silences where everyone waits for others to speak. Rotate through the participant list systematically ensuring balanced contribution.

Use the chat function strategically for activities like brainstorming, quick polls, or collecting individual responses before discussion. Airtable's moderators ask participants to type three feature requests into chat simultaneously, then discuss themes emerging from submissions.

Leverage Zoom's polling feature for quick quantitative checks validating qualitative themes. After discussing pricing perceptions, Stripe's research team launches polls asking participants to select acceptable price ranges, quantifying conversation insights.

Monitor participant video feeds for non-verbal cues including nodding, confused expressions, or disengagement signals. Address these observations: "Sarah, I noticed you nodding when Mark mentioned notification overload. Can you share your experience?"

Create breakout room discussions for 10-15 minute small group conversations, then reconvene for sharing insights. Breakouts increase participation from quieter members and allow parallel exploration of multiple topics. Loom assigns 3-person breakout groups to discuss different use cases, then each group reports key findings.

Managing challenging dynamics

Address dominant participants diplomatically by acknowledging their contributions then redirecting: "Thanks for that perspective, Jordan. I want to make sure we hear from others too. Alex, what's your take on this?" This validates the dominant speaker while creating space for others.

Re-engage quiet participants with direct, easy-to-answer questions building their confidence: "Lisa, you mentioned earlier you use our mobile app daily. What's typically the first thing you do when opening it?" Specific, experience-based questions feel less intimidating than opinion requests.

Handle technical disruptions calmly, using breaks to resolve issues while other participants remain engaged. If someone's audio fails, use chat to communicate solutions while continuing discussion with other participants. Calendly's moderators keep backup questions ready for unexpected breaks.

Manage side conversations in chat by acknowledging interesting points: "I see some great discussion in the chat about notification preferences. Let's bring that into our main conversation." This integrates chat activity rather than treating it as distraction.

Address participants multitasking or showing disengagement by changing activity formats. Switch from verbal discussion to screen-shared stimulus evaluation, launch a poll, or move to breakout rooms. Format changes recapture attention.

Screen sharing and stimulus presentation

Effective stimulus presentation in Zoom requires preparation, clear instructions, and interactive techniques maintaining engagement.

Prototype and concept testing approaches

Share prototypes through Zoom's screen sharing with audio enabled for embedded videos or interactive elements. Figma's research team shares prototypes directly through Figma's presentation mode, allowing participants to view designs full-screen while moderators control navigation.

Provide clear context before displaying stimuli: "I'm going to share a concept for a new feature. As you look at it, think about how this would fit into your current workflow. We'll discuss reactions after everyone has time to review." This focuses participant attention and sets evaluation criteria.

Use annotation tools allowing participants to mark up shared screens with reactions, questions, or suggestions. InVision's research sessions enable participants to draw attention to specific design elements they find confusing or appealing.

Share stimulus in timed intervals preventing participants from rushing ahead while others process information. Display concept screens for 30-60 seconds before opening discussion, ensuring everyone has adequate review time.

Combine screen sharing with verbal description for accessibility. Don't assume all participants can see details clearly due to varying screen sizes and internet quality affecting resolution.

Interactive activities and exercises

Use virtual whiteboard tools like Miro, Mural, or Zoom's built-in whiteboard for collaborative activities. Notion's research team creates card sorting exercises where participants drag interface elements into preference-ranked categories, generating visual priorities.

Share Google Slides or PowerPoint presentations where participants can add sticky notes, comments, or reactions. This creates tangible artifacts from discussions while maintaining engagement through active participation.

Conduct live website or application walkthroughs where participants direct navigation: "Tell me where you'd click first to find your account settings." This reveals mental models and navigation expectations while participants remain engaged directing the session.

Use screen recording when asking participants to demonstrate their workflows or problem areas in their own environments. Calendly occasionally asks participants to share their screens showing how they currently manage scheduling, revealing pain points and workarounds.

Managing multiple stimulus items

Present stimuli sequentially rather than simultaneously to maintain focus and prevent cognitive overload. Discuss one concept completely before introducing another, allowing thorough evaluation rather than superficial comparisons.

Create clear transitions between stimulus items: "We've finished discussing the notification concept. Now I want to show you something completely different related to account management." This signals mental shifts preventing confusion between concepts.

Use verbal and visual markers tracking progress through multiple items. Display slide numbers, concept labels, or progress indicators helping participants understand how many items remain and where focus should be.

Summarize key feedback before moving to new stimuli: "I'm hearing that the main concern about this concept is the complexity of setup. Let's keep that in mind as we look at our next idea which takes a different approach." This creates continuity and shows participants their input matters.

Using Breakout Rooms Effectively

Breakout rooms are a powerful tool for enhancing the depth and quality of online focus groups. By dividing participants into smaller groups, researchers can facilitate more intimate and focused discussions, allowing for a greater exchange of ideas and more detailed feedback. This approach is particularly useful when exploring complex topics or when seeking actionable insights from different segments of your target audience. To make the most of breakout rooms, it’s important to plan the size and composition of each group carefully, ensuring a mix of perspectives and experiences. Providing clear instructions and discussion prompts helps participants stay on track and make the most of their time in the breakout room. When used effectively, breakout rooms can transform your online focus groups into dynamic sessions that generate richer, more nuanced insights.

Recording, note-taking, and documentation

Comprehensive documentation captures insights while respecting research participants' privacy and maintaining research rigor. It is essential to acknowledge the critical role research participants play in the success of focus groups and online research studies.

Recording best practices

Obtain explicit recording consent at the session start, explaining that recordings are for internal research use only and won't be shared publicly. Repeat recording reminders when late participants join.

Use cloud recording with speaker view capturing active speakers prominently while showing other participants in gallery view. This creates useful video for review while maintaining context about group dynamics.

Enable separate audio recording generating clean audio files for transcription services like , Rev, or Descript. Separate audio improves transcription accuracy compared to video audio tracks.

Record breakout rooms when facilitating small group discussions, though this requires informing participants and obtaining separate consent. Amplitude's research team records breakout sessions but allows participants to opt into non-recorded rooms if preferred.

Store recordings securely in access-controlled cloud storage with participant identifiers removed. Intercom deletes video recordings 90 days post-analysis, retaining only transcripts and synthesized insights.

Real-time note-taking strategies

Designate a dedicated note-taker using shared documents where observers can collaborate capturing quotes, themes, and observations. Google Docs with comment functionality allows multiple researchers to highlight important moments and flag follow-up questions.

Use timestamped notes referencing specific recording moments for easy retrieval: "45:30 - Participant 3 describes workaround for missing bulk edit feature." This creates shortcuts to impactful moments during analysis.

Capture verbatim quotes that powerfully illustrate themes, marking them clearly for potential use in research reports or presentations. Asana's note-takers use quotation mark tags making quote extraction easy during synthesis.

Document non-verbal observations including reactions to stimuli, participant agreement/disagreement patterns, and energy shifts: "All participants nodded enthusiastically when pricing comparison was mentioned." These contextual notes enrich transcript-based analysis.

Create separate sections for different discussion topics or questions, organizing notes thematically as the session progresses. This structured approach simplifies analysis by pre-grouping related content.

Post-session processing

Transcribe recordings within 24 hours while the session remains fresh in moderators' memories. provides automated transcription with 95% accuracy for clear audio, requiring minimal cleanup.

Review recordings with co-moderators identifying key moments, surprising insights, and themes requiring deeper exploration in subsequent sessions. Monday.com's research team conducts 30-minute debrief meetings immediately after sessions documenting initial observations before detailed analysis.

Extract video clips illustrating important insights for stakeholder presentations. Short clips showing participants' reactions to concepts or describing pain points create compelling evidence more engaging than written summaries.

Organize recordings, transcripts, notes, and artifacts in structured folders labeled by date, topic, and participant segment. Consistent organization enables easy retrieval when synthesizing findings across multiple sessions.

Anonymize transcripts removing personally identifiable information including names, company details, and specific locations. Replace with generic identifiers like "Participant 3" or "Mid-sized company user."

Analysis and insight synthesis

Transform focus group discussions into actionable insights through systematic analysis combining transcript review, thematic coding, and cross-session synthesis. Qualitative methods such as thematic coding and transcript analysis are essential for extracting meaningful insights from focus group discussions.

Transcript analysis workflow

Read through complete transcripts before beginning coding to understand overall discussion flow and context. This prevents premature pattern identification based on isolated comments.

Apply thematic coding identifying recurring concepts, pain points, feature requests, and user behaviors. Use qualitative analysis software like Dovetail, Aurelius, or NVivo for efficient coding and theme management across multiple sessions.

Segment analysis by participant characteristics when relevant insights vary by user type, experience level, or use case. Canva's research team separates insights from free users, Pro subscribers, and Enterprise customers revealing segment-specific needs.

Quantify theme frequency noting how many participants mentioned specific topics and whether they expressed similar or divergent views. While focus groups don't produce statistically significant data, frequency provides directional indicators about widespread versus isolated concerns.

Identify outlier perspectives that differ from group consensus, noting whether these represent edge cases or potentially underserved user needs. Slack's research team specifically tracks minority opinions that might indicate emerging trends or unmet needs.

Cross-session synthesis

Compare findings across multiple focus groups identifying patterns, contradictions, and segment differences. Consistent themes appearing in 3+ sessions warrant prioritization while session-specific insights may reflect sampling variation.

Map insights to product roadmap implications categorizing feedback as: quick wins requiring minimal development, medium-term enhancements, long-term strategic opportunities, and feedback indicating fundamental misunderstandings needing communication improvements.

Validate focus group findings against other data sources including user analytics, support tickets, NPS comments, and user interviews. Figma cross-references focus group feature requests with in-app behavior data identifying which requested capabilities align with observed pain points.

Create persona-specific insight summaries when research includes multiple user segments. Notion synthesizes focus group findings into persona profiles highlighting unique needs, goals, and pain points for designers, developers, and managers.

Document contradictory findings honestly rather than forcing false consensus. Conflicting feedback often reflects legitimate user diversity requiring flexible solutions accommodating different preferences.

Stakeholder communication

Present findings through insight-structured reports rather than session-by-session summaries. Organize by themes like key pain points, feature priorities, pricing perceptions, and competitive positioning regardless of which session generated the insight.

Include video clips showing participants expressing important insights, making findings more memorable and persuasive than text-only reports. Loom's research team creates 3-minute highlight reels containing the most impactful quotes from each research round.

Provide specific recommendations tied to findings rather than simply listing feedback. Transform "users struggle with bulk editing" into "implement bulk action controls in table views, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks by an estimated 60%."

Share participant quotes liberally throughout presentations and reports, using real voice to make insights tangible. Attribute quotes generically ("Senior Marketing Manager, Enterprise company") rather than with names.

Host research readout sessions with interactive elements including polls asking stakeholders to prioritize revealed opportunities or predict which findings surprised them most. This engagement increases retention and application of insights.

Comparing Virtual to In-Person Focus Groups

When deciding between online focus groups and traditional in-person focus groups, it’s important to weigh the unique strengths and challenges of each approach. Virtual focus groups offer unmatched convenience and accessibility, enabling participants to join from anywhere and making it easier to include a diverse target audience. However, they also present challenges, such as the inability to observe body language and subtle nonverbal cues that can add context to participants’ responses. Building rapport and fostering a sense of human connection can be more difficult in a virtual setting, and moderators may need to work harder to keep participants engaged. In contrast, in-person focus groups allow for richer group dynamics and more natural communication, but they require more planning, resources, and commitment from both researchers and participants. Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person groups should be guided by your research goals, the needs of your participants, and the resources available. By understanding the trade-offs, researchers can select the method that will deliver the most meaningful and actionable insights for their project.

Common challenges and solutions

Anticipate and prepare for predictable Zoom focus group challenges through proactive strategies and real-time adaptations. Video calls have become the primary method for conducting remote focus groups, especially during periods when in-person meetings are not possible.

Technical difficulties

Maintain backup plans for connectivity failures including phone dial-in numbers, alternative platform options, and rescheduling protocols. Webflow's research team sends both Zoom and Google Meet links, switching platforms if participants experience consistent issues with one.

Record locally in addition to cloud recording as insurance against cloud service failures. Local recordings prevent total data loss if internet disruptions interrupt cloud uploads.

Prepare simplified discussion guides allowing valuable sessions even if some planned activities become technically infeasible. If screen sharing fails, verbal description of concepts generates useful feedback though less specific than visual evaluation.

Build buffer time into schedules accommodating technical delays without cutting discussion short. Schedule 90-minute time blocks for 60-minute focus groups, allowing 15 minutes for technical setup and 15-minute padding.

Engagement maintenance

Combat video fatigue through format variety including polling, chat activities, breakout discussions, and screen-shared exercises. Change activities every 12-15 minutes preventing monotony.

Schedule breaks for sessions exceeding 75 minutes, allowing participants to rest and reset attention. Shopify conducts 5-minute breaks at the 45-minute mark during 90-minute sessions.

Use energizing language and vocal variety maintaining enthusiasm that compensates for reduced physical presence. Monotone delivery becomes particularly problematic on video where vocal dynamics carry more weight.

Call on participants by name frequently and make eye contact with the camera creating personal connection. This individual acknowledgment combats the anonymous feeling of large video grids.

Data quality concerns

Triangulate focus group findings with other research methods avoiding over-reliance on group discussions subject to social desirability bias and groupthink. Amplitude uses focus groups for exploratory concept testing, then validates prioritization through individual user interviews and quantitative surveys.

Ask for written individual responses before group discussion on sensitive topics or opinion-based questions. Having participants type initial reactions into chat prevents bandwagon effects where later speakers simply agree with popular opinions.

Probe superficial responses requesting specific examples: "You mentioned the interface feels cluttered. Can you point to specific elements contributing to that feeling?" This depth-seeking transforms vague feedback into actionable insights.

Recognize focus group limitations for certain research questions including usability testing, precise feature prioritization, and statistically representative opinion measurement. These goals require alternative methods or complementary research.

Next steps for your Zoom focus group program

Start with pilot sessions testing your technical setup, recruitment process, and moderation approach before committing to large-scale research programs. Integrating Zoom focus groups into your broader research project can help address specific research questions and deliver tailored insights. Figma’s research team conducted 3 internal practice sessions with colleagues before launching customer focus groups.

Studies on online focus groups have been published in international journals, highlighting the credibility and global relevance of this research method. Online focus groups allow participants to join without being in the same place, removing geographic barriers and enabling diverse perspectives. Most people are now familiar with video conferencing tools, making it easier for them to participate in virtual research sessions.

Document your process including participant recruitment templates, screening criteria, discussion guide formats, and analysis workflows. This documentation enables consistent quality and easier training for new team members.

Build a research participant panel for efficient recurring recruitment. Notion maintains an opt-in research community of 5,000 users segmented by plan type, role, and company size, enabling targeted recruitment for each study. We encourage you to participate in online focus groups to contribute valuable insights to ongoing research.

Conducting research in the virtual world raises important ethical considerations, just as in physical settings, so ensure you address consent, privacy, and participant well-being throughout your process.

Invest in professional development for moderators through resources like the Qualitative Research Consultants Association, User Interviews’ research training, or Coursera’s qualitative research courses.

Ready to launch your Zoom focus group program? Download our free Zoom Focus Group Toolkit including technical setup checklist, participant recruitment templates, moderation guide, and analysis framework.

Want expert guidance on virtual research methods? Book a free 30-minute consultation with our UX research team to discuss your study goals and optimal virtual research approach. Thank you for your time and to all participants for their valuable contributions to research.

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