Setting up an unmoderated study with the AI Study Builder

Last updated: April 23, 2026

The AI Study Builder is an AI-powered research assistant that helps you design rigorous, bias-free studies from a single prompt. Rather than starting from scratch, you can describe your research goal and let the AI generate a complete study structure — selecting appropriate blocks, drafting unbiased questions, and configuring key settings like device type and recording permissions.

In this article, you'll learn how to use the AI Study Setup Builder:

Step 1: Access the AI Study Builder

From your Home screen or from within a project, click New study and select Unmoderated as your study type. Then, choose Guided setup to launch the AI Study Builder.

Note: The AI Study Builder is currently available for unmoderated studies only.

Step 2: Describe your research goal

Once you're in the AI Study Setup Builder, describe what you're trying to learn in the chat. You can write a free-form prompt — the more context you provide about your research objective, target audience, or the product you're testing, the more tailored your draft study will be.

If you'd prefer a starting point, you can select a template to kick off the conversation with a pre-defined research scenario.

Screenshot 2026-04-15 at 8.06.21 AM.png

Step 3: Review the draft structure

Based on your prompt, the AI will generate a suggested study outline that includes:

  • Recommended block types (e.g. prototype tests, card sorts, open questions)

  • A logical flow and order for your tasks and questions

  • Suggested question copy, written to minimize bias

Take a moment to review the full draft before moving forward — this is your opportunity to shape the study before it's built.

Step 4: Refine your study via chat

If the draft doesn't fully reflect what you need, iterate directly in the chat. You can ask the AI to:

  • Add or remove blocks

  • Rewrite or reframe specific questions

  • Adjust the study flow or logic

  • Clarify a research goal that feels too broad or vague

The AI will flag potential cognitive biases in your study design and suggest improvements where relevant.

Note: AI-assisted setup is a one-way flow. Once you move to the builder, you can't return to the AI setup experience — take the time to refine the structure in the chat before continuing.

Screenshot 2026-04-15 at 8.14.02 AM.png

Step 5: Continue to the builder

When you're satisfied with the draft structure, click Continue to builder. The AI will confirm that you want to apply the change and then proceed to apply the study structure to the builder, pre-populating your blocks based on the conversation.

In the builder, any blocks that still require your input will appear in an error state. You'll be automatically dropped into the first block that needs attention so you can work through the configuration in order.

Note: The following features are not currently supported in the AI Study Setup Builder:

  • File uploads

  • Multi-select questions with an "Other" + text input option

Screenshot 2026-04-15 at 8.19.23 AM.png

Step 6: Configure your blocks

Once you're in the builder, review and complete the configuration for each block. Depending on the block types included in your draft, this may involve:

  • Connecting a prototype or website URL

  • Adjusting task instructions or question copy

  • Setting device requirements or response options

Learn more about all the block types you can use.

When your blocks are fully configured, you're ready to preview and publish your study.

Learn more about previewing your study before publishing. Learn more about publishing your study and collecting responses.

Still need help?

Our support team is ready to assist with any questions about mobile testing. Contact us — we're here to ensure your research success.