> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usepropane.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating a research agent

> Learn how to create a research agent for your users

<Info>
  **Research agents** are available on the **Growth plan**. See [Set up your workspace](/getting-started/setup-workspace) for plan details.
</Info>

Propane allows you to create conversational research agents that adapt to user responses in real-time. The AI agent drives dynamic conversations to gather deeper insights from your users.

## Step-by-Step Guide

<Steps>
  <Step title="Initialize the research agent">
    1. Navigate to **Agents** from the sidebar navigation.

    2. Click the **New** button in the top right corner.

    3. Select your template type from the dropdown menu (e.g., **NPS Follow up**, **Win/Loss**, etc.).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure research agent details">
    Once on the Create page, fill in the foundational details:

    * **Name:** Give your research agent a distinct internal name (e.g., "Q3 NPS Follow-up" or "New User Sentiment").

    * **Language:** Select the language in which the session will be conducted.

    * **From:** Choose the sender profile. This determines the name and email address participants will see when they receive the invitation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set agent settings">
    This section controls the personality and focus of the AI agent.

    * **Opening Message:** This is the specific hook the agent uses to start the chat. Propane provides a default, but you can customize it using variables like `{{participant_name}}`.

    * **Advanced Settings > Additional Instructions:** This is where you define the "brain" of the research agent. You can tell the AI how to behave, what to prioritize, and what to avoid.

    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="NPS Follow-up">
        ### Leveraging NPS Scores in Instructions

        Because the AI agent knows the participant's score (0-10) *before* the chat begins, you can write conditional instructions to tailor the experience.

        **Examples of Effective Instructions:**

        | Goal                       | Example Instruction                                                                                                                                                                             |
        | :------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
        | **Tailor by Score**        | "If the user is a Detractor (score 0-6), apologize for the experience and ask what the one thing we could fix is. If they are a Promoter (9-10), ask them to describe their favorite workflow." |
        | **Dig Deeper on Features** | "If the user mentions 'UI' or 'Design', ask specific follow-up questions about which buttons or menus were confusing. Do not settle for general answers."                                       |
        | **Manage Tone**            | "Adopt a casual, empathetic tone. Keep the conversation short (max 3-4 questions)."                                                                                                             |
        | **Blank Slate Approach**   | "Treat this session as a fresh start. Do not assume knowledge of previous conversations outside of the current NPS score."                                                                      |
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Other templates">
        Coming soon: Specific guidance for other template types.
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customize landing page">
    Configure the text that participants see before and after the chat:

    * **Welcome text:** The message displayed on the landing page before the session begins.

    * **Thank you text:** The message displayed once the participant completes the session.

    <Tip>
      You can use dynamic variables like `{{participant_name}}` in these fields to personalize the landing page experience.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch">
    1. Review your settings to ensure the instructions align with your goals.

    2. (Optional) If you wish to offer rewards for completion, configure the **Incentives** section.

    3. Click the **Create** button in the bottom right corner.

    <Check>
      Once created, you will be redirected to the Agents dashboard where a success message will appear. Your new research agent will be listed in the grid, ready for you to add participants.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Related

* [Adding participants](/interviews/adding-participants)
* [Email and link distribution](/distribution/email-link-distribution)
* [Participant privacy policies](/interviews/privacy-policies)