Essential User Interview Script Template for Effective Generative Research

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

User interviews are a cornerstone of generative research. They help uncover user needs, motivations, and pain points that guide product development and design decisions. However, conducting interviews without a clear script can lead to scattered conversations and missed insights. A well-crafted user interview script template ensures consistency, depth, and relevance in every session.

This post explains how to build an effective user interview script template tailored for generative research. It offers practical tips and examples to help you gather rich, actionable data from your users.

User interview script template on a notebook

Why Use a User Interview Script Template

A script template acts as a roadmap for your interview. It keeps the conversation focused on your research goals while allowing flexibility to explore unexpected topics. Here are key benefits:

• Consistency: Every participant answers similar questions, making it easier to compare responses.

• Depth: Thoughtful questions encourage detailed answers rather than yes/no replies.

• Efficiency: The interviewer spends less time thinking on the spot and more time listening.

• Focus: The script aligns with your research objectives, avoiding irrelevant tangents.

  
  

Without a script, interviews risk becoming unstructured, leading to incomplete or biased data. A template balances structure and openness, which is crucial for generative research aimed at discovery.

Core Components of a User Interview Script Template

An effective script template includes several sections that guide the flow of the interview. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Introduction and Consent

Start by welcoming the participant and explaining the purpose of the interview. Clarify how their data will be used and obtain consent for recording if applicable.

Example:

“Thank you for joining today. We want to learn about your experiences with [topic]. This session will last about 45 minutes. We’ll record the conversation to help us remember your feedback. You can stop at any time or skip questions.”

2. Warm-up Questions

Begin with easy, non-threatening questions to build rapport and make the participant comfortable.

Examples:

• Can you tell me a little about yourself?

• How do you usually use [product/service]?

• What do you like most about it?

  
  

3. Exploration of User Context

Dive deeper into the participant’s environment, habits, and motivations related to the research topic.

Examples:

• Walk me through the last time you used [product/service].

• What challenges do you face when doing [task]?

• How do you currently solve those challenges?

  
  

4. Open-ended Questions to Uncover Needs and Pain Points

Ask questions that encourage storytelling and detailed responses.

Examples:

• Can you describe a time when [problem] happened?

• What was frustrating or confusing about that experience?

• What would make that process easier for you?

  
  

5. Probing Questions

Use follow-up questions to clarify or expand on interesting points.

Examples:

• Can you tell me more about that?

• Why do you think that happened?

• How did that make you feel?

  
  

6. Closing Questions and Wrap-up

End with questions that allow participants to add anything else they think is important.

Examples:

• Is there anything else you want to share about your experience?

• Do you have any suggestions for improving [product/service]?

  
  

Thank the participant and explain next steps.

Tips for Writing and Using Your Script Template

• Keep questions open-ended to avoid yes/no answers.

• Use simple language that matches your audience’s vocabulary.

• Avoid leading questions that suggest an answer.

• Allow flexibility to follow interesting tangents.

• Pilot test your script with a colleague or a few users to refine it.

• Include time estimates for each section to manage the interview length.

• Prepare prompts to encourage elaboration without interrupting flow.

  
  

Example User Interview Script Template for Generative Research

| Section | Sample Questions |

|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| Introduction | Welcome, purpose, consent, confidentiality |

| Warm-up | Tell me about yourself. How do you use [product]? |

| User Context | Describe your last experience with [product]. What challenges do you face? |

| Needs and Pain Points | Can you share a frustrating experience? What would improve it? |

| Probing | Can you explain that further? How did that affect you? |

| Closing | Anything else to add? Suggestions for improvement? |

This simple structure helps interviewers stay on track while encouraging rich, user-centered insights.

Digital user interview script template on laptop screen

How to Adapt the Template for Different Research Goals

Generative research covers a wide range of topics, from exploring user behaviors to discovering unmet needs. Customize your script by:

• Adding context-specific questions related to your product or service.

• Including scenario-based questions to understand user decision-making.

• Adjusting the tone and language to match your audience’s background.

• Incorporating visual aids or prototypes to prompt feedback.

  
  

For example, if researching a fitness app, ask about workout habits, motivation, and frustrations with current tools. If studying online education, explore learning preferences and barriers.

Final Thoughts on Using a User Interview Script Template

A well-designed user interview script template is essential for effective generative research. It ensures you gather consistent, meaningful insights that reveal user needs and guide product innovation. Use the template as a flexible guide, not a rigid checklist. Listen actively, follow up on interesting points, and create a comfortable environment for participants to share openly.

Start building your script today by focusing on clear, open-ended questions and a logical flow. Test it with real users and refine based on feedback. The quality of your research depends on the quality of your conversations.