Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.smartinterview.ai/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Introduction
SmartInterview’s AI-powered vocal interviews can be combined with Decipher (Forsta Surveys) to add qualitative depth to quantitative research. Decipher provides:- Full HTML control
- JavaScript support
- XML-based survey engine
- Widget (Embed) – inline inside survey
- Redirect – send respondents out and back
What Decipher Supports
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Custom HTML | Yes |
| iframe embedding | Yes |
| URL redirects | Yes |
| JavaScript support | Yes |
| Variable interpolation | Yes ([pipe:var], ${var}, gv()) |
| Recommended integration | Widget (embed) or Redirect |
Decipher is highly flexible, so embed is almost always the best option.
Integration Methods
Option A: Widget (Embed) — Recommended
Embed SmartInterview directly inside the Decipher survey using an iframe. How it works:- Respondent stays inside Decipher
- SmartInterview appears inline
Setup Steps
Step 1 — Get Embed Code
From SmartInterview:- Go to Builder → Widget
- Select Decipher (Forsta) theme
- Copy iframe code
Step 2 — Insert into Decipher
- Open Survey Editor
- Add
<html>block in XML - Paste iframe inside it
- Replace
RESPONDENT_IDwith:[pipe:respid]${respid}- or custom variable
Step 3 — Match Styling
Use:- Clean typography
- Neutral background
- Native-like survey appearance
Advantages
- No page redirects
- Works with routing, quotas, and sampling
- Fully responsive (mobile-friendly)
Limitations
- Some environments may block iframes
- Data is stored in SmartInterview (linked via ID)
Option B: Redirect
Use this if:- iframe is blocked
- You want a full-page interview experience
Flow
Redirect Setup
Step 1 — SmartInterview Setup
- Create survey
- Keep
user_id = null - Set Return URL with parameters:
{{respid}}- other variables (list, source, etc.)
Step 2 — Decipher Setup
Options:- Add HTML link
- Use auto redirect (JavaScript or
<suspend>)
Step 3 — Return to Decipher
- SmartInterview sends user back
- Parameters automatically passed
What Data Gets Captured
All URL parameters:- Stored in SmartInterview
- Available as metadata
- Used in logic/display conditions
- Sent back to Decipher
Visual Styling
SmartInterview includes a Decipher theme:| Element | Style |
|---|---|
| Font | Sans-serif |
| Background | Transparent |
| Inputs | Neutral bordered |
- Builder → Settings → Theme → Decipher
Display Conditions (Personalization)
You can use Decipher variables inside SmartInterview. Example:- Pass
cell=A - Show the question only if
cell = A
Summary: Which Option to Choose
Use Widget (Embed) if:
- You want the best UX
- You need inline vocal questions
- iframe is supported
Use Redirect if:
- iframe is blocked
- You want a standalone interview page
Recommendation
Why SmartInterview Alone Can Be Better
Using both platforms may cause:- Respondent fatigue (redirects)
- Split data across systems
- More maintenance
SmartInterview vs Decipher
| Feature | Decipher | SmartInterview |
|---|---|---|
| Surveys | Yes | Yes |
| Logic & routing | Yes | Yes |
| Quotas & sampling | Strong | Limited |
| AI vocal interviews | No | Yes |
| Transcription | No | Yes |
| AI follow-ups | No | Yes |
| Sentiment analysis | No | Yes |
Key Benefits of SmartInterview
1. Faster Setup
- No XML scripting
- Visual builder
- Saves 50–70% time
2. Better Engagement
- No redirects (with embed)
- Higher completion rates
- More detailed responses
3. Deeper Insights
- AI follow-up questions
- Real-time transcription
- Automatic coding & sentiment
4. Better Analysis
- Combine quant + qual using
respid - Ready for cross-tabulation
- No manual coding
Quick Start Checklist
- Check iframe support
- Create SmartInterview survey
- Enable Decipher theme
- Set Return URL
- Add
<html>iframe or redirect - Test full flow
- Verify parameters