Question Types
Fyreside supports 7 question types. Each serves a different research need and can be configured for voice or screen-based responses.
Overview
Your interview flow is built from a mix of question types. Open-ended questions are the backbone of qualitative research, but structured types (single-select, rating scale) provide quantifiable data points. Use the right mix for your research goals.
Open-Ended
A free-text response question. In voice mode, participants speak their answer and the AI transcribes it. This is the most common type for qualitative research.
When to use
Exploratory questions, gathering stories and opinions, understanding motivations.
Configuration
- Follow-up depth: none (no probing), light (1-2 follow-ups), or deep (thorough exploration)
- Context for AI: optional guidance on what angles to probe in follow-ups
- Response mode: voice (spoken answer) or screen (typed text)
Single Select
Participants choose one option from a list. Useful for categorical responses and segmentation.
When to use
Demographic questions, preference selection, A/B comparisons, forced-choice scenarios.
Configuration
- Minimum 2 options required
- The AI can ask follow-up probes about why the participant chose their answer
- Response mode: screen (select on screen) or voice (speak choice)
Multi Select
Participants choose one or more options from a list. Good for understanding the breadth of experiences or preferences.
When to use
Feature usage surveys, multi-factor analysis, selecting applicable items from a list.
Configuration
- Minimum 2 options required
- No maximum selection limit
- Response mode: screen or voice
Rating Scale
Participants rate on a numeric scale. The visual displays as a labeled slider or numbered buttons.
When to use
Satisfaction scores, likelihood-to-recommend, effort ratings, agreement scales.
Configuration
- Scale range: 5 to 10 points
- Custom low and high end labels (e.g., 'Very Dissatisfied' to 'Very Satisfied')
- Response mode: screen (tap a number) or voice (speak the rating)
Ranking
Participants drag items into their preferred order. Useful for prioritization exercises.
When to use
Feature prioritization, preference ordering, comparing competing factors.
Configuration
- Minimum 2 items required
- Drag-and-drop interface on screen
- Response mode: screen only (ranking requires visual interaction)
Instruction
A display-only block with no response expected. Use this to provide context, transitions, or briefing text between questions.
When to use
Introducing a new topic, providing context before a stimulus, transitioning between objectives.
Configuration
- No response collected
- No follow-ups
- Displayed as a text card in the interview
AI Conversation
A freeform, AI-led conversation segment with a configurable duration. The AI explores a topic organically rather than following a rigid question-answer format.
When to use
Deep exploratory discussions, brainstorming sessions, open-ended feedback on a broad topic.
Configuration
- Duration: 30 to 300 seconds
- Basis: 'prior answers' (AI builds on earlier responses) or 'custom' (you provide the starting prompt)
- The AI steers the conversation while staying on-topic
Availability by study type
Response modes
Follow-up depth