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How to Create Verifiable Randomisation for Research & Experiments with Spin The Wheel

Random selection is a cornerstone of experimental design, pedagogical demonstrations, and scientific research. While generating a random result is simple, verifiable randomisation, creating an immutable, checkable record that independent third parties can inspect, is essential for experimental transparency and open science.

SpinTheWheel.io bridges the gap between accessible web-based random selection tools and auditable experimental workflows. By combining interactive selection wheels with cryptographic commitment schemes, researchers, lecturers, and students can execute random assignments and retain permanent evidence of the draw.

What Is Verifiable Randomisation?

In scientific contexts, generating a random outcome is only half the process. A verifiable randomisation (also referred to as recorded randomisation or an auditable randomisation record) leaves a clear audit trail. This record allows an independent reviewer to confirm two critical facts:

  1. Pre-committed Inputs: The alternatives and their relative weights were locked in before the random result was calculated.
  2. Algorithmic Integrity: The outcome was generated without post-draw manipulation, visual bias, or undisclosed re-spins.

SpinTheWheel models this capability through provably fair spins, providing a checkable record that proves the published outcome matches the locked entries.

Simple Randomisation vs. a Verified Record

1. Simple Binary Selection (Yes or No Wheel)

The standard Yes or No Wheel delivers an instant, unrecorded 50/50 binary choice. It is ideal for classroom demonstrations or low-stakes decisions. However, an ordinary spin does not generate a Replay link, Replay ID, or cryptographic proof.

Important: If using Yes/No to represent conditions, write down the mapping before spinning (e.g., Yes = Condition A, No = Condition B). Never assign meaning to outcomes retroactively.

2. Verified Record Workflow

When your protocol requires auditable proof, use SpinTheWheel's provably fair workflow. This process locks saved entries, commits a server random value, integrates a client seed, computes the result using a published algorithm, and generates a public Replay record.

How to Create a Verified Spin (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Open the Yes or No Wheel

Go to the Yes or No Wheel template.

The template provides predefined Yes and No outcomes with fair weighting between the two options.

Step 2: Save and Name Your Wheel

Save the wheel and give it a name that matches your research project or experiment.

This makes it easier to identify and manage your wheel later.

Step 3: Open Wheel Settings

Click the cogwheel icon to open the settings menu.

This is where you can customise the wheel for your specific research requirements.

Step 4: Customise the Wheel Design

Under Wheel Design, you can:

  • Choose your preferred colours.
  • Select a pointer design.
  • Upload your own logo or image.
  • Personalise the appearance of the wheel.

Step 5: Configure Experiment Options

Depending on your research needs, you can enable additional features:

  • Mystery Entries: Hide the choices from participants.
  • Entry Waiting: Allow different probabilities for different outcomes.

Once your settings are configured, click Apply Settings.

Step 6: Configure Spin Reactions

Within the editor, you can customise what happens after each spin.

Options include:

  • Animations.
  • Sounds.
  • Pop-up text displayed after the result.

For example, you can add custom text to clearly display the outcome of each spin.

Click Apply Settings again when finished.

Step 7: Enable Proof of Fair Spins

Go to the Design tab at the top of the page.

Here, you can change the background colour and other visual settings.

Most importantly, enable Generate Proof of Fair Spins.

Once enabled, a green badge will appear at the top of the wheel confirming that proof generation is active.

Step 8: Save Your Changes

Review your settings and click Save to keep all your customisations.

Your weighted options and verification settings will now be saved.

Step 9: Spin the Wheel

Return to the wheel and perform your randomisation spin.

For a clearer view, you can select Full Screen before spinning.

Once the spin is complete, the result will be displayed.

Step 10: Access the Replay Link

After the spin, you'll see a Replay Link.

Click the link to access the recorded spin details.

This link can be saved and shared as part of your research documentation.

Step 11: Review the Cryptographic Proof

On the replay page, you'll be able to see important information about the spin, including:

  • The exact date and time of the spin.
  • The algorithm used.
  • The Replay ID.
  • The date and time the spin was committed.
  • The Source Wheel ID.

The Source Wheel ID forms part of the unique replay link.

Step 12: Download Research Evidence

At the bottom of the replay page, you'll find citations that can be copied into your research documentation.

You can also download an archival representation of the verified spin in:

  • JSON format.
  • PDF format.

The PDF includes the replay link, making it convenient to preserve and share evidence of the result.

Final Result

You now have a transparent randomisation process that can be independently verified and documented for research, experiments, and institutional use.

What Researchers Should Document and Archive

To ensure long-term scientific reproducibility, retain both hosted identifiers and offline archival files:

  • Pre-specified alternatives and label mappings.
  • Replay ID and Replay URL (identifying the hosted event).
  • Finalised Timestamp (recording when the result was sealed).
  • Downloaded JSON Record (portable, machine-readable proof).
  • Downloaded PDF / Print Copy (human-readable document).
  • Protocol Notes detailing any planned exclusions, overrides, or re-spins.
Note: Do not identify randomisations solely by user-supplied wheel names, as wheel titles can change or contain non-unique information.

Citing a Verified Randomisation

When writing up your research methods, cite the specific Replay ID generated by your provably fair spin.

Suggested Methods Section Text

"Presentation order was determined using a pre-specified randomisation conducted with SpinTheWheel.io. Where a verifiable record was required, a provably fair spin was used. The Replay ID was retained, and the downloaded JSON record and human-readable PDF copy were archived with the study documentation."

Reference Examples

  • APA 7: SpinTheWheel.io. (2026). Verified spin record (Replay ID: [Replay ID]) [Data set]. [Replay URL]
  • General Format: SpinTheWheel.io. Verified spin record. Sealed: [YYYY-MM-DD]. Replay ID: [Replay ID]. [Replay URL]

(Formatted citations in APA 7, Harvard, Vancouver, MLA 9, Chicago, BibTeX, and RIS can be copied directly from the Verified Spin Record interface.)

Assessing Protocol Suitability

While SpinTheWheel delivers cryptographic proof of the draw, researchers remain responsible for overall experimental design.

  • Selection vs. Design Validity: Verification checks the outcome against committed inputs; it does not prove that the initial participant pool was unbiased.
  • Weighted Options: If weighted entries are used, verification proves the winner matched those weights, not that options had equal probability.
  • Non-Clinical Focus: SpinTheWheel is designed for non-clinical research, higher education, and experimental psychology. It is not a validated clinical-trial allocation platform and lacks built-in allocation concealment or double-blinding protections required for clinical trials.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a verifiable randomisation record?

Save your wheel, enable Provably fair spins under Design settings, and complete a spin. This creates a public Replay record and downloadable proof files.

What does a verified spin establish?

It proves to external reviewers that the recorded result matches the pre-committed options, relative weights, and published selection algorithm without post-draw tampering.

What happens if a hosted Replay is deleted?

If a Replay is removed by the owner, the link shows a deletion marker. Downloading the JSON and PDF records immediately after spinning ensures you maintain a permanent, portable archive.

Can SpinTheWheel be used for clinical trial allocation?

No. While it generates random outcomes, it has not been validated as a clinical-trial allocation system. Trial sponsors must evaluate whether the tool meets regulatory standards for participant concealment and single-entry controls.