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If you’re a service member, veteran or civil servant and would like to help shape better tools, systems and services, we’d love to hear from you.
By joining the MilUX research panel, you’ll have the opportunity to influence how future tools, systems and services are developed for Defence. Whether you’re a serving member of the Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve), a veteran, or a civil servant, your experience and perspective are valuable to the teams designing these products.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and each opportunity is designed to be flexible around your time and interests. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about how it works, what’s involved, and what you can expect. If there’s anything we haven’t covered, feel free to email us at research@milux.co.uk. We’re here to help.
Joining our research panel only takes a few seconds; all we need is your name and email address. Further details about your military or professional experience can be shared later in the process when a suitable opportunity arises.
Have Some Questions
Who can join this research panel?
Our panel is open to people with real military or defence experience. That includes current serving members of the Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve), veterans, and Ministry of Defence civil servants. We welcome a wide range of ranks and roles, from junior personnel to very senior, across all services and specialisations. The goal is to have a diverse pool of participants, allowing us to match the right people with the right research. (You do need to be an adult (18+ years old) to sign up.)
How do I sign up, and what information do I need to provide?
Signing up is simple. We have a brief online form (available on our Consent Kit platform) where you simply enter your name and email address. That’s it to start. We don’t ask for a lot of personal details upfront. Once you’re on the panel, we’ll reach out when a research opportunity comes up that might fit you. At that point, we might ask a few more questions (via a short screener questionnaire) about your background or experience, to ensure the session is relevant for you and that we select the right mix of participants. All your information is handled in line with our privacy policy (kept confidential and secure). And remember, joining the panel doesn’t obligate you to do anything; it just means you agree to be contacted about studies.
What does participation actually involve?
Participation typically involves: signing a consent form, then taking part in a research session, and giving your feedback. Here’s how it usually works: after you’ve signed up, whenever a study is available, we’ll send you an invitation describing the session (the topic, what you’d be doing, the time commitment, and the offered incentive). If you agree, you’ll likely fill out a consent form (and possibly an NDA) online beforehand. Then you join the session at the scheduled time. During the session, you might be answering questions, trying out a prototype, or discussing your experiences, depending on the format. The atmosphere is usually informal and friendly. You’re not being evaluated; instead, the product or idea is being evaluated. After it’s over, you’re done, enjoy your incentive and the feeling that you helped improve something. You won’t have any further obligation. If another opportunity comes later, we may reach out again, but it’s always your choice to participate each time.
What kinds of research sessions might I be invited to?
It can vary. We tailor the research method to meet the team’s learning needs. You might be invited to:
- One-on-one interviews – for example, a researcher chats with you (in person or via video call) and asks about your needs or walks through your opinions on a concept.
- Usability tests – where you get to try a prototype or a new application and share what you think as you use it. This can be done remotely (by screen-sharing an app) or occasionally in person, especially for equipment-related issues.
- Surveys or questionnaires – you fill out some questions online about a topic or concept. These are usually quick.
- Group discussions (focus groups or workshops) – occasionally, we might have a virtual group chat or an in-person seminar with multiple participants to brainstorm or discuss experiences together.
- Field trials or hands-on sessions – rarely, a company might ask for a deeper session, like having you come to a specific location to try out a piece of kit in a real-world scenario. This would be a more involved process (possibly requiring a few hours or a day) and would be entirely optional.
Each invitation will clearly state what kind of session it is. If you’re not comfortable with the format or can’t accommodate it, you can always decline. Most sessions are remote (via phone or video) and last about an hour or less; however, we’ll notify you if a different arrangement is planned.
How much time will I need to commit?
Not a lot. We understand that you’re busy, so most research sessions are relatively brief. A typical session might last 30 minutes to 1 hour. Occasionally, some sessions may run longer (for example, 90 minutes for a group workshop, or in rare cases, up to a half-day visit), but these are optional and scheduled well in advance. There’s no regular commitment – you’re not signing up for a recurring duty. You might end up doing a session once a month, once every few months, or just whenever something relevant comes up. It depends on the needs of the projects and how often your particular expertise is sought. We also accommodate your schedule: sessions may be held over lunch breaks, after work, or at times you indicate you’re available. If you can’t spare time for a certain study, that’s okay – you can skip it. You only commit to the time when you accept an invitation for a specific session.
Will I receive compensation or rewards for participating?
Yes. We greatly appreciate your time and insight, and as a token of our appreciation, we offer an incentive for each research session. The incentive is often provided as a gift card or voucher (for example, a typical £30–£50 Amazon voucher for an hour’s session). The exact amount can vary depending on the length and type of session; we’ll specify what’s on offer in the invitation. For more involved tasks (such as a full-day trial), compensation may be arranged differently (possibly a larger voucher or a temporary contractor payment, if appropriate); however, most of the time, it’s a straightforward gift card. The incentive is usually delivered promptly after you participate. It’s our way of saying thank you for helping out. (To note, these are tokens of appreciation, not salary or consultancy fees. And if you’re unable to accept a gift due to personal or policy reasons, let us know, we can discuss options, such as donating it or making other arrangements.)
Is it acceptable for me, as a serving member, to accept that incentive? Do I need my unit’s permission?
In general, yes, it’s okay. Because you’re doing this voluntarily on your personal time, the MOD typically views it like any other casual outside activity. The incentive (e.g. a voucher) is a nominal thank-you and not related to your official duties, so it usually doesn’t violate gift rules. That said, transparency is always a good idea. We recommend that you check your unit’s policy or notify your chain of command, especially if the value exceeds any stated gift threshold. (Many military units require you to declare gifts over a certain low amount, often around £20 or so, just for record-keeping.) In this case, since the research isn’t connected to any procurement or decision you influence, commanders are generally fine with it. If needed, we can provide documentation explaining the program and incentive as a legitimate user research activity. Ultimately, it’s about staying above board: we haven’t encountered issues so far, but do whatever makes you and your leadership comfortable. And remember, you can always decline the incentive if that’s simpler for you – participating is what truly matters to us.
Can I conduct these sessions during work hours, or do I need to be off-duty?
Primarily off-duty. We design the participation to be flexible around your schedule. Many participants opt to attend sessions during lunch breaks or after their regular work hours. It’s not an official MOD task, so you wouldn’t typically pause your regular duties for it without permission. Suppose the session is short and your supervisor is supportive. In that case, you might be able to work something out (some units may treat it as a community engagement or training opportunity, but that’s on a case-by-case basis). Generally, though, plan to participate on personal time, which ensures there’s no conflict with your job. We’ll do our best to schedule sessions at convenient times (even evenings, if necessary) to accommodate this. And if a session must happen at a specific time that’s not ideal, you’re free to decline or discuss scheduling alternatives. Your military responsibilities come first; this is meant to be a voluntary extra, not a disruption to your day job.
Will my participation and feedback be anonymous and confidential?
Absolutely. Privacy and confidentiality are fundamental. When we report the research findings to the product team or client, we do not attach your name to your comments. Instead, feedback is aggregated and anonymised (e.g., “Participant A (experienced tank crew) found the interface confusing…” rather than using your name or identifiable details). Only the immediate research organisers know who you are, and they are bound by confidentiality as well. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, our consent process lets you control what you’re comfortable with. If you don’t want to be quoted directly or don’t wish to be recorded, that’s fine; you can indicate this on the consent form. Any photos or recordings, if they occur at all, are typically for internal reference to capture usability issues (for example, a screen recording to see where users click). Those won’t be shared outside the project without your permission. We also manage NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) when needed; in fact, both the company and you may sign an NDA to protect confidential information on both sides. This means the company can’t misuse your data, and you agree not to disclose their proprietary information. Overall, we strictly follow Defence and government research ethics guidelines, so you can participate with confidence, knowing that your identity and input are protected.
How will my personal information be used and stored?
When you join the panel, we collect only the basic details we need – primarily your name and contact info, plus perhaps your broad professional background (e.g., Army, Royal Navy, RAF, civil service, etc.). This information is stored in our secure research panel database (powered by Consent Kit, which is a GDPR-compliant platform). We only use your information to manage research participation, which may include contacting you with invitations, scheduling sessions, sending consent forms, or providing incentives. We do not share your personal contact information with clients or anyone else without your consent. In fact, clients usually don’t need to know your name at all; they care about your role or experience (e.g., that you’re a veteran tank commander or a logistics officer) but not your identity. MilUX will never sell your data or use it for marketing unrelated to the panel. And we won’t bombard you with emails – you’ll hear from us only for research opportunities or important panel updates. If you would like to leave the panel or have your data removed at any point, please let us know. You are in control: we’ll delete your info promptly if you withdraw consent (and this option is also outlined in our privacy policy). In short, your data is kept confidential and used responsibly, solely to engage you in relevant research. We take data protection seriously, so you can trust that we’re handling your information with care.
Do I have to sign any paperwork or agreements to participate?
There’s a bit of necessary paperwork, but we make it as seamless as possible. For each study you participate in, you will need to sign a consent form. This form explains the purpose of the research, what you’ll be asked to do, what data will be collected (e.g. notes, audio recording, etc.), and it confirms that you agree to take part. It will also let you specify your preferences (for example, you can check a box if you’re okay with the session being recorded, or leave it unchecked if you prefer not). In addition to the consent form, if the project involves any sensitive information from the company’s side (say you’re seeing a prototype that isn’t public), we’ll arrange an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) for you to sign with that company. The NDA means you agree not to share the company’s confidential project details outside the session. MilUX can provide the NDA (or the company may use its own standard one), either way, we’ll facilitate it so that it’s straightforward. All these documents will be handled digitally whenever possible, so you can review and sign them online ahead of the session. We know “paperwork” can sound daunting, but it’s routine paperwork that protects you and the client. We’ll give you copies of anything you sign, and you can ask questions if any part of it is unclear.
Can I choose which studies I take part in?
Yes, absolutely. Opting in to receive opportunities does not commit you to every research project that comes along. It simply means we may invite you when a study is seeking someone with your background. For each invitation, you have the option to decide whether to participate or not. If you’re busy, not interested in the particular topic, or for any other reason, you can decline. We’ll continue to invite you to future opportunities unless you request that we stop. It’s 100% your choice every time. We want engaged participants who are comfortable and interested, so it’s in everyone’s best interest that you only join sessions that work for you. There’s no minimum number of sessions you must do, and saying “no” doesn’t affect being invited later. It’s as flexible as it sounds.
What if I agree to participate but then need to back out, or I’m not comfortable during the session?
Your comfort is paramount. You can withdraw at any time, before or during the session, for any reason. If something unexpected comes up (e.g., a work emergency or personal issue) and you’re unable to attend a session you’ve agreed to, please let us know as soon as possible. We understand that military life can be unpredictable. Even if you’re in the middle of a session and feel uneasy or not willing to continue, you can politely inform the researcher and stop. There’s no penalty or punishment for doing so. The consent you give is voluntary, and you’re allowed to change your mind. In terms of incentives, we typically still provide full or prorated compensation for the time you spent, although this can depend on the circumstances. The bottom line: you are never obligated to stay if you don’t want to. We appreciate any time you do give, and we want you to feel safe and respected. After the fact, if you have second thoughts about how your data (like a recording or quotes) was used, you can contact us, and we can even omit or anonymise specific comments if needed. We strive to maintain a no-pressure environment throughout the process.
What if I’m asked a question I can’t answer or that might breach security?
You will not be asked to reveal classified information or anything that violates security protocols; that’s a firm rule. Our studies focus on your user experience and opinions, not secret details. For example, we might ask, “How do you find the interface on your current system?” but never “Tell us the classified capabilities of your equipment.” All research materials are unclassified. If a question ever feels too sensitive or you’re unsure, you should skip it or voice your concern. There’s no problem with saying, “I’m not able to discuss that,” and the researcher will move on. Similarly, if you happen to be working on a related project in your day job (or bound by certain NDAs from work), you can decline to participate in a study that might conflict with those interests. For instance, if we invite you to test something very similar to a program you’re involved in, and you worry about a conflict of interest or inadvertently sharing inside knowledge, it’s perfectly fine to say no to that invite. We encourage participants to avoid any session that could conflict with their official duties. We strive to maintain everything ethically and transparently. In summary, you won’t be put in a position to violate security, and you have full control to avoid or refuse anything that even slightly approaches your comfort limits.
Who will see my feedback? Will it be shared with my boss or colleagues?
Your feedback will be reviewed by the research team at MilUX and the client’s product team, which are essentially the individuals working on the tool or service being studied. They use the input to improve the product. It will not be sent to your military chain of command or used in any evaluation of you. In reports or presentations, your comments will be combined with others and anonymised. For example, they might say, “Several participants noted that the login process was slow” or quote an insight, such as, “One participant with logistics experience said X.” No names, ranks, or personal identifiers are attached to feedback when it is reported. The goal is to gather honest opinions, so we ensure you can speak freely without concern that it’ll be personally traced back to you in your professional environment. Even within the project team, typically only a few key researchers are aware of the participants’ identities, and they are bound by confidentiality. If the study is for a defence contractor or a similar entity, they may know your first name solely for session logistics. Still, they’re also expected to keep that information private (often formalised by NDAs). You can rest assured that what you say in the session will remain within the project. It won’t appear on social media or in your next performance review; it’s solely aimed at improving the product in question.
Why should I consider participating? What’s in it for me?
Participating in user research is rewarding in several ways. First, you get to have a direct say in shaping technologies and services that could end up in the hands of you and your fellow personnel. It’s a chance to ensure the end-users’ perspective is heard by developers early on, potentially improving tools before they reach the field. Many participants enjoy seeing cutting-edge or innovative products and providing feedback; it can be enjoyable and even fun to test new things and share your ideas. You also learn what’s in the pipeline in the defence tech space, which can be exciting if you’re interested in innovation. On a personal note, you receive a thank-you incentive for each session, as we mentioned, which is a nice perk. But beyond the voucher, many people appreciate the experience: you meet researchers and sometimes other participants, you get to discuss your professional needs and pain points, and you help drive change. And it’s all with minimal time commitment and on your terms. So, by joining, you’re not only getting a little reward and a peek at new tech, you’re also contributing to making things better for the wider military community. Many find that aspect especially satisfying.
How do I get in touch or get more information?
If you have any other questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at MilUX. We’re here to support our participants. You can contact us via email (e.g., at our official address) or through the point of contact who invited you. We’ll be happy to address any concerns you may have about privacy, scheduling, or anything else. Once you sign up, we’ll likely send a welcome message with the key details and contact information. And remember, the MilUX Privacy Policy and other resources are available for those who wish to read the fine print on how everything works. We want you to feel fully comfortable and informed when joining our panel. So never hesitate to ask, we’re friendly, and your questions are always welcome!