When invited to an online interview powered by QualStage, we recommend that you use one of the following devices and set-ups:

• Use a desktop or laptop computer (Mac or Windows PC). Tablets and smartphones are not yet supported by QualStage.
• Ensure that your computer has speakers, a microphone, and a webcam. If using external devices (via USB plug-in, or wireless Bluetooth), ensure that they are connected.
• Use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox as your browser and make sure that they are up to date. Other browsers, including Safari and Internet Explorer are not yet supported.
• Connect to a stable internet network with a bandwidth of over 350kbps. You can run a speed test to learn more about your wi-fi connectivity. If you are experiencing a slow or unstable connection, try plugging your device directly into the router or get as close to the router as possible, and turn off all other wireless devices that could be diverting signal away from your computer.

The interview link that you receive via email is a unique link created just for you and ensures that your participation is fully anonymous.

Your unique interview link can be found in both your email confirmation, and the reminder sent by the M3 project management team. Your link will be highlighted in yellow under the ‘QualStage login instructions’ section.

Once you have completed the tech check and your attendee code has been verified, you will enter the virtual waiting room until the moderator has started the meeting and granted you access.

You will then be able to join the meeting by clicking the ‘Join Meeting’ button, or you will be added automatically after five seconds.

If the meeting ends prematurely, or you happen to ‘drop out’ from the platform, please try the following:

• Check your internet connection. An unstable connection can cause interference during an interview. Try speed test sites like Speedtest by Ookla – The Global Broadband Speed Test.
• Refresh the page. Refreshing will help re-establish your connection to the platform but in doing so will likely drop your connection to the interview for a few seconds before returning. If possible, before refreshing, let the moderator know so they are aware and prepared for your brief absence.
• Close and re-open the browser window, and then click on the meeting link again. Again, please let the moderator know that you’re experiencing difficulties, so they are aware.

The meeting tools give you access to these functions during the interview, such as “Mute my Mic”, “Chat”, and “Camera”. Here, you’ll find a description of each tool:  

Mute my Mic   

Click the microphone icon to mute and unmute yourself at any point during the interview.   

Camera   

The camera icon can be used to turn your camera on or off as needed.    

Chat   

The bell icon lets you know you have a new message, which will disappear once you click within the text box. To send a message, type into the message box and click the plane icon to send. You can define the recipient(s) as follows:   

• Everyone (globe icon): Send messages to everyone (moderators and respondents)
• Individual (user icon): Send a message directly to the moderator   

When the meeting is officially over, the moderator will end the meeting and you will be sent an alert saying: The moderator has ended your session. Please reach out to our QualStage support team if you have any questions.

QualStage is great for your anonymity and personal data protection. When you participate in an online interview with QualStage, you are automatically assigned a numeric ID to make sure your anonymity is protected throughout the research. This function is not available in other web conferencing platforms such as Zoom.