Outset Review 2024: What It Is, How to Use It & Is It Worth It?

Automate and enhance qualitative research methods.

Outset logo

AI-moderated interviews

Sentiment analysis

Multilingual capabilities

Outset Description

Outset is an AI-moderated research platform designed to power a range of qualitative methods. It's like having a virtual interviewer that can conduct in-depth interviews, concept testing, diary studies, sentiment analysis, brand equity research, and survey open-ends. The platform is capable of conducting 1000 interviews at once, in any language, engaging participants in rich discussions and probing deeper to get the 'why' behind answers. Outset saves you time by automating the interview process. It's not just about asking questions, but also about understanding the responses. The AI interviewer can interpret the sentiment behind the answers, providing valuable insights at the speed your business demands.
  • Free plan
  • Paid
  • Free trial

Outset Detailed Review

Outset's main selling point is its ability to conduct a large number of interviews simultaneously, making it an ideal tool for businesses that need to gather a lot of qualitative data in a short amount of time. The AI interviewer is designed to engage participants in meaningful discussions, probing deeper to understand the 'why' behind their responses. This feature is particularly useful for in-depth interviews, concept testing, and diary studies, where understanding the nuances of participants' thoughts and feelings is crucial. The AI's ability to analyze transcripts, extract themes, and highlight powerful verbatims also makes it a valuable tool for sentiment analysis and brand equity research.

One of the pros of Outset is its speed. The platform can conduct hundreds of in-depth conversations in less than a day, which is a significant time-saver for businesses. It also eliminates the need for a human interviewer, which can reduce costs and ensure a consistent interview experience for all participants. However, this can also be a con, as the AI may not be able to replicate the empathy and understanding of a human interviewer. While the AI is designed to probe deeper into participants' responses, it may not be able to pick up on subtle cues or nuances in the same way a human would.

Another potential drawback is the reliance on participants' willingness to engage with an AI interviewer. While some people may be comfortable with this, others may prefer a human touch. This could potentially impact the quality of the data collected. However, the fact that the AI can conduct interviews in any language is a significant advantage, especially for businesses operating in multiple markets.

The platform is backed by Y Combinator, which gives it a degree of credibility. It's been used by a variety of companies, suggesting that it's a versatile tool that can be adapted to different research needs.

Pricing information for Outset is not provided up front, which makes it difficult to assess its value for money. Overall, Outset seems like a powerful tool for businesses that need to conduct a lot of qualitative research quickly and efficiently, but potential users would need more information to make an informed decision.