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

# Workspace Settings

> Configure workspace-level settings including respondent attributes for demographic segmentation

Workspace settings let you configure features that apply across all your research projects. The most powerful feature is **Respondent Attributes**—custom demographic categories that help you segment and analyze research data.

## Accessing Workspace Settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Settings">
    Click on your profile in the bottom-left corner of the sidebar and select **Settings**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Workspace Tab">
    Click the **Workspace** tab to access workspace-level configuration.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Respondent Attributes

Respondent attributes let you collect demographic information from interview participants. This enables you to:

* **Segment insights** by department, role, region, or other criteria
* **Filter sessions** to focus on specific respondent groups
* **Identify patterns** across different demographics in your research
* **Export rich reports** with demographic breakdowns

### How Attributes Work

1. **Define categories** at the workspace level (e.g., Department, Role Level)
2. **Enable categories** on specific projects during project creation
3. **Respondents select** their attributes before starting the interview
4. **View and filter** sessions by attribute values
5. **AI synthesis** includes demographic context and patterns

<Tip>
  You can have up to 5 attribute categories per workspace. Choose categories that matter across multiple research projects.
</Tip>

## Managing Attribute Categories

### Adding a Category

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Add Category">
    In the Workspace tab, click the **Add Category** button.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Category Details">
    Provide a name (e.g., "Department") and optional description.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Options">
    Click **Add Option** to add values respondents can select (e.g., "Engineering", "Sales", "Marketing").
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click **Save** to create the category.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Using Starter Templates

Don't want to start from scratch? Use our starter templates for common attribute categories:

| Template       | Options Included                                                       |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Department** | Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Product, Operations, HR, Finance, Other |
| **Role**       | Individual Contributor, Manager, Director, VP/Executive, Other         |
| **Region**     | North America, EMEA, APAC, LATAM                                       |
| **Tenure**     | \< 1 year, 1-2 years, 3-5 years, 5-10 years, 10+ years                 |

To use a template:

1. Click **Use Template** in the empty state or attribute list
2. Select the templates you want to add
3. Categories are created with pre-configured options

<Note>
  You can customize template categories after adding them. Edit names, add options, or remove ones you don't need.
</Note>

### Editing Categories

Click on any category to expand it and see its options. From there you can:

* **Edit the category name or description** via the menu
* **Add new options** using the Add Option button
* **Remove options** by clicking the trash icon
* **Reorder categories** by dragging them (coming soon)

### Deleting Categories

<Warning>
  Deleting a category removes it from future use, but historical data is preserved. Past interview sessions keep their recorded attribute values.
</Warning>

To delete a category:

1. Click the menu (three dots) on the category
2. Select **Delete**
3. Confirm the deletion

## Using Attributes in Projects

### Enabling Attributes During Project Creation

When creating a new project:

1. Expand the **Respondent Attributes** section (after Learning Objectives)
2. Check the categories you want to collect for this project
3. Optionally mark categories as **Required** (respondents must select a value)
4. Create your project

<Tip>
  Keep attribute selection optional when you want maximum response rates. Fewer required fields mean lower friction for respondents.
</Tip>

### What Respondents See

When respondents start an interview for a project with attributes enabled:

1. They see dropdown menus for each enabled category
2. Required attributes are marked with an indicator
3. They select their values before the interview begins
4. The interview proceeds normally after selection

### Viewing Attributes in Sessions

In the **Sessions** tab of your project:

* Attribute values appear in the sessions table as additional columns
* Click on any session to see full attribute details
* Use attribute filters to show only specific segments (e.g., "Engineering only")

### Attributes in Exports

When you export your research report, it includes:

* **Respondent Demographics** section with distribution statistics
* Attribute columns in the Session Details table
* AI synthesis that considers demographic patterns

Example demographics section:

```
### Respondent Demographics

**Department:**
- Engineering: 12 (40%)
- Sales: 9 (30%)
- Marketing: 6 (20%)
- Product: 3 (10%)

**Role Level:**
- Individual Contributor: 18 (60%)
- Manager: 9 (30%)
- Director+: 3 (10%)
```

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Keep categories relevant across projects">
    Since attributes are workspace-level, choose categories that apply to multiple research projects. Department and role are typically useful across many studies.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Limit to 3-5 categories">
    Too many attribute questions slow down respondents. Stick to the demographics that matter most for your research analysis.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use clear, mutually exclusive options">
    Each category should have distinct, non-overlapping options. Avoid options like "Sales/Marketing" that combine categories.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Include an 'Other' option">
    For categories like Department, include an "Other" option so respondents always have an appropriate choice.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Make attributes optional when possible">
    Required attributes may reduce response rates. Only mark as required when the data is essential for your analysis.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Backwards Compatibility

If you delete an attribute category or option:

* Historical session data is preserved with the original values
* Deleted options no longer appear for new sessions
* Reports continue to show the historical demographic data
* Filter options update to reflect only active categories

This ensures your research data remains intact even as your attribute configuration evolves.

## Next Steps

* [Creating Projects](/docs/help/getting-started/creating-projects) - Enable attributes when setting up projects
* [How Interviews Work](/docs/help/interviews/how-interviews-work) - See the respondent experience
* [Exporting Data](/docs/help/insights/exporting-data) - Export reports with demographic breakdowns