Designing an interview goes hand-in-hand with the research design, as key elements of the research paradigm affect all data collection stages. In qualitative research interviews, the design is crucial for ensuring that the process captures meaningful and in-depth information.

When designing an interview, several key elements shape the entire process and are crucial for ensuring alignment with the research goals. Each aspect—from identifying the research paradigm, setting clear objectives to crafting thoughtful questions—plays a critical role in guiding how the interview is conducted, from beginning to end.

For many researchers, the process of designing an interview begins with establishing a solid foundation of questions—creating an interview guide that balances structure with flexibility. In a structured interview, questions are carefully crafted in advance, and the flow is consistent across interviews to allow comparability.

Interview design plays a pivotal role in obtaining in-depth information that enhances the quality of the research. The careful consideration of each element ensures that the interview process not only aligns with the research paradigm but also respects the participant’s experience, creating a path to insightful and meaningful data collection.