Build a Consent Form in Google Forms

Consent forms don’t need scary legal jargon — but they do need to be clear, specific, and easy to agree to (or decline). Your goal is to give participants enough information to make an informed choice, and to keep a tidy record of what they agreed to.

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Step 1: Prepare your “Information Sheet” first

Before you build the consent form, write (or link to) an information sheet that answers:

-Who you are

-What the study is about

-What they’ll do, how long it takes, and any incentive

-Whether you’ll record (screen/video/audio)

-How data will be used, stored, and how long it’s kept (retention)

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Step 2: Create a new Google Form

-Title it clearly: “Agree to take part in research for [Company/Study]”

-In the form description, add a short friendly intro (like your example):

1.Who you are

2.Why you’re doing research

3.What info they’ve already been given (your info sheet)

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Step 3: Add “I have read the information sheet” (Required)

Question type: Multiple choice (Yes/No)
Make it Required: ON

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Suggested wording:

“I have read the information sheet and had an opportunity to ask questions and understand the information supplied.”

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Step 4: Add “I agree to take part” (Required)

Question type: Multiple choice (Yes/No)
Required: ON

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This is the core consent question. Keep it plain and direct.

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Step 5 :Add recording permissions

Add one question per recording type:

“I agree that a video recording can be made…” (Yes/No)

If recording is mandatory for the session, make these Required.
If recording is optional, keep them required (so they choose Yes/No), but plan a non-recorded backup if they say No.

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Step 6 : Collect participant details

Add personal details like a name and signature.Typed signature is fine for lightweight UX research; if you need a formal e-signature, use an e-sign tool later.

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Step 7 : Set your Form settings

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- Collect email addresses (helps follow-up and incentives)

- Consider Limit to 1 response only if you need it (note: this can force sign-in)

- Set a clear Confirmation message, e.g. “Thanks — you’re all set. We’ll email next steps shortly.”

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Step 8 : Store responses properly

In the Responses tab:

- Link to a Google Sheet (Forms will create one automatically)

- Restrict access to only the people who need it (research ops hygiene)

- Keep responses aligned with your retention policy (delete/export when time’s up)

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Step 9 : Test it like a participant

Use Preview (eye icon) and test:

- Can someone decline? (Yes/No works)

- Are required questions actually required?

- Does the language feel calm and human?

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I know this might feel like a lot of stes, but setting things up once and doing it propelry means that maintaining it becomes much easier.