Lookback Participate, by Lookback AB, is an Android app for invited participants to join remote usability research sessions. It records screen activity, front-facing camera video, and microphone audio so researchers capture user gestures and verbal reactions in context. The interface presents step-by-step tasks for unmoderated studies and supports both live-moderated and self-test formats. Designed for study participants, the app emphasizes quick entry via participation links and account-less access to lower onboarding friction for research programs.

It captures synchronized streams that reveal what and why users do

The app records the device screen, front camera, and microphone simultaneously, providing synchronized video and audio that ties facial expressions to on-screen actions. Touch indicators mark taps and gestures so researchers can trace interaction points. This multi-stream approach gives qualitative teams a single, time-aligned record of behaviour and commentary, which supports analysis of usability problems and the emotional context behind user decisions.

Joining studies is simple but study-specific in scope

Participants enter sessions through a unique "Participate link," and no account creation is required, which reduces setup steps. The app prompts for screen, camera, and microphone permissions before a session, and it only activates when triggered by a valid research link. Because it functions as the participant client for Lookback studies, it is not a general-purpose screen recorder and does not run outside invited sessions.

The workflow supports both moderated observation and self-guided tasks

The app supports moderated live sessions where researchers can watch from a virtual observation room, and also unmoderated tests that display step-by-step task instructions inside the interface. Recordings upload automatically to the cloud for researcher access and connect to the Lookback dashboard, enabling rapid handoff to analysis without participants managing large local files.

Reliability depends on device hardware and network conditions

Available on Android, the app needs a stable internet connection and recording permissions to operate, and some users report lag, connection drops, or initial setup difficulties on specific Android hardware. These device and network constraints affect live streaming and upload reliability, so researchers and participants should expect variability in session quality across different phones and networks.

Lookback Participate suits research participants who can follow study links and handle basic setup

Lookback Participate is a practical option for participants who join researcher-led mobile usability sessions and can manage the app’s permission prompts. It offers clear benefits for collecting qualitative interaction data, while device-specific performance and network sensitivity remain trade-offs. For studies where consistent recording quality matters, plan device and connection checks before sessions to reduce the risk of interrupted or degraded captures.