Identify and improve your value proposition fit.
Assess if your prototype effectively addresses key customer jobs.
Assess if your prototype effectively addresses key customer pains.
Assess if your prototype exceeds your customer's expectations.
Learn how to use the Prototype Interview Template.
Below is an example transcript of a prototype interview with John, using the Prototype Interview Template. In this interview, we’re testing whether the design mockups address the top needs of diabetes type 2 patients—helping to log blood sugar quickly, reducing the hassle of manual tracking, and providing benefits that support health management.
Segment 1: Welcome and Context
Interviewer (Alex):
Hi John, I’m Alex. Thank you for joining us today. I’m here to get your thoughts on some design screens for an app that we hope will help people with type 2 diabetes improve their health. I’m joined by my colleagues, Sarah and Michael—they’re here solely to take notes so we don’t miss any of your insights. Is it alright if we take notes during our conversation?
John:
Yes, that’s perfectly fine.
Interviewer (Alex):
Great. Before we start, I want to mention that these screens are only visual designs—they’re not a functional app, so we can’t interact with them directly. With that in mind, could you tell me a bit about how you currently manage your diabetes? For example, how do you usually record your blood sugar levels?
John:
I check my blood sugar a few times a day and then either jot the numbers down in a notebook or use my phone. It works, but it can be a bit of a hassle, and sometimes I end up forgetting to record a reading.
Interviewer (Alex):
That makes sense. Do you have any questions before we dive into discussing the designs?
John:
Not at the moment—I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve designed.
Segment 2: Exploring the Prototype’s Intended Tasks
Interviewer (Alex):
Let’s talk about the potential of these designs. Without me telling you exactly what each element is, what do you think this screen might be intended to help you do in your daily routine?
John:
It seems like it might be designed to let me quickly enter my blood sugar readings—maybe in a more streamlined way than writing them down manually.
Interviewer (Alex):
How do you imagine this design supporting the steps you currently take when you log your readings? For example, if you’re in a hurry, what parts of the design do you think would help you get your numbers in faster?
John:
I can see that if the screen is simple and has a large, clear input area, I wouldn’t have to fumble around with a lot of options. That simplicity could really help me log my numbers quickly.
Interviewer (Alex):
Why is having that quick, straightforward way to log your blood sugar so important for you?
John:
Because I don’t want to interrupt my day too much. A complicated process makes it more likely I’ll skip a reading, and that worries me.
Segment 3: Testing the Prototype’s Ability to Ease Frustrations
Interviewer (Alex):
One challenge you’ve mentioned is that manual tracking can be tedious and easy to miss. Looking at the design elements, do you see anything that might help reduce that hassle?
John:
I think so. If the design naturally guides me to log my reading—maybe with a gentle reminder or a clear button—it could help prevent me from forgetting.
Interviewer (Alex):
Which part of what you see do you think might lower the effort compared to your current method?
John:
I like the idea of a very visible “save” or “log” option and possibly an indication that nudges you if you haven’t entered data for a while. That could be a real time-saver.
Interviewer (Alex):
Why would reducing that extra effort be valuable for you?
John:
Because when I’m busy or distracted, I often skip logging. If the process is easier and reminds me, I’d feel more confident that I’m keeping track of my health properly.
Segment 4: Assessing Additional Benefits
Interviewer (Alex):
Now let’s explore what additional benefits this design might offer. Some screens hint at visual representations of your data and possibly ways to share that information easily. Without me pointing out specifics, what potential benefits do you think these elements could bring to your routine?
John:
I imagine that if I could quickly see a chart or trend of my blood sugar over time, it’d be easier to spot patterns. Also, if there’s a way to share that information with my doctor, it would make discussions during check-ups much smoother.
Interviewer (Alex):
How do you think being able to view trends or share your data might impact your overall management of diabetes?
John:
It would help me understand if my habits are working or if I need to adjust something. Plus, sharing accurate data with my doctor could mean better advice and more peace of mind.
Interviewer (Alex):
Why is that extra layer of insight and communication important for you?
John:
It makes me feel like I’m actively managing my health instead of just going through the motions. It adds a level of reassurance that I’m doing the right things.
Segment 5: Debrief and Wrap-Up
Interviewer (Alex):
Thanks for all your insights, John. To wrap up, I’d like to ask you to rank a few things based on our discussion today.
Interviewer (Alex):
First, regarding the tasks the design aims to support—like quickly logging your blood sugar—please rank these features from most important (#1) to least important (#3):
- The ease of quickly entering your blood sugar readings.
- A clear, simple interface that minimizes extra steps.
- Any additional elements that might be included.
John:
I’d say the ease of entering readings is definitely #1, the simple interface comes in at #2, and any extra features would be #3 for me.
Interviewer (Alex):
Great. Now, for the aspects that seem designed to reduce the frustrations you have with manual tracking—such as reminders or clear prompts—could you rank their importance in the same way?
John:
Sure. Having a clear prompt or reminder would be #1 because I often forget. Then, reducing the effort required to log, and finally, anything that just makes the interface look appealing.
Interviewer (Alex):
And finally, for the added benefits like viewing trends or sharing your data with your doctor, please rank those from most important (#1) to least important (#3).
John:
I’d say being able to view trends is #1 because it helps me see patterns. Sharing with my doctor is #2, and any extra social or motivational features come in at #3.
Interviewer (Alex):
Thank you, John. As a last question, could you share what you liked best about these design screens and what you might change to better meet your needs?
John:
I liked the overall simplicity and the idea of having reminders built into the design. If I could change something, I’d like the navigation to be even more straightforward so that nothing feels hidden or confusing.
Interviewer (Alex):
That’s very helpful feedback. We really appreciate your honest insights. Would it be alright if we reached out again once we update the design?
John:
Absolutely. I’d be happy to help.
Interviewer (Alex):
Great, thank you again, John, for your time and valuable feedback. Have a wonderful day!
This transcript meets the acceptance criteria by asking for permission to take notes, explaining why our colleagues are present, allowing you to ask questions, keeping each segment within the 10-minute guideline, and ending with separate rankings for the prototype’s tasks, frustrations eased, and added benefits. We’ve also asked “why” at key moments to explore your insights in depth.
You can use The Prototype Interview Template for free. Instead, I would appreciate your feedback after at least 15 interviews to help me create useful innovation tools!