UX Research Consent Form Template: Free Guide + Example

A consent form sets expectations and protects participants and teams. This template helps you document purpose, recording, privacy, and withdrawal.

What you'll get:

A copy/paste UX research consent form template
A checklist for clear, compliant consent
A short example and FAQ

Use the sections below as building blocks; keep what you need and delete the rest.

Pair this with the UX research plan template.

References for this guide are listed at the end.

What is a UX research consent form?

User Interviews describes informed consent forms as documents that explain study details, data collection, and participant rights. Participantkit notes the form gives participants clear information about how their data will be collected, stored, and used.

Why consent matters

Nielsen Norman Group explains informed consent as an exchange where participants understand the study and voluntarily agree. A signed consent form documents that exchange and helps protect participants and researchers.

What to include in a consent form

Nielsen Norman Group outlines core sections like purpose, study format and duration, voluntary participation, and data handling. Zoom highlights clear expectations, data privacy, and signature requirements.

Include:

Study purpose and what participants will do
Duration and format (interview, test, diary, etc.)
What data you will collect and how it will be used
Recording details (audio, video, screen)
Voluntary participation and withdrawal rights
Contact information for questions
Consent statement and signature

UX research consent form template (copy/paste)

User Interviews recommends clear, plain language and a visible opt-in. Nielsen Norman Group recommends including data handling and withdrawal rights.

Title: UX Research Consent Form
Study name: [Study name]
Organization: [Company name]
Researcher contact: [Name, email, phone]

Purpose of the study
We are conducting this study to [purpose]. The goal is to [what you are learning].

What you will do
You will [describe activities]. This may include [tasks, interview questions, prototype review].

Duration
The session will take approximately [time].

Data and recordings
We may collect [notes, audio, video, screen recordings].
We will use this data to [purpose].
We will store data for [retention period] and restrict access to [who has access].

Risks and benefits
There are no known risks beyond daily product use. You may benefit by [optional].

Incentives
You will receive [incentive] after [condition].

Voluntary participation
Your participation is voluntary. You may stop at any time without penalty.

Consent (check all that apply)

[ ] I agree to participate in this study.
[ ] I consent to audio recording.
[ ] I consent to video or screen recording.

Signature
Name: ____
Signature: ____
Date: _

Note: User Interviews recommends having legal review for consent forms.

Consent form checklist

Participantkit recommends plain language, transparency, accessibility, and clear opt-in. User Interviews notes consent must be informed and withdrawable.

[ ] Plain language, no legal jargon
[ ] Clear study purpose and time required
[ ] Data use and storage explained
[ ] Recording permissions are explicit
[ ] Voluntary participation and withdrawal stated
[ ] Contact info included

Mini example (filled in)

Study: Ecommerce checkout usability test
Duration: 45 minutes
Data: Screen recording and notes
Incentive: $50 gift card after session
Consent: Participant agrees to participate and screen recording

FAQ

Is a consent form the same as an NDA?

User Interviews notes that an NDA protects company information, while informed consent protects participants and is required for research.

Can participants withdraw consent?

User Interviews and Participantkit emphasize that consent must be voluntary and withdrawable at any time.

What should be in a consent form?

Nielsen Norman Group recommends including study purpose, duration, activities, data handling, and a clear consent statement.

References

Related resources

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