JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mixed methods research is essential to development of patient reported outcome measures, digital technology, and endpoint selection for clinical drug trials, and to advance clinical care, when complex health-related experiences cannot be fully understood by quantitative or qualitative approaches alone. New technology and opportunities for remote data collection have changed the ways in which qualitative and quantitative data can be collected, can enabling researchers to capture human experiences in ways not previously possible.

Objective:

This paper describes Perspective Mapping, a newer online interviewing technique that uses mind mapping software to capture in-depth qualitative data inside a quantitative measurement framework to understand and measure individual experiences.

Methods:

During online interviews, mind-mapping software is used to visually depict participant experiences. Structured concept maps are co-created in real time with participants, focusing on building detailed narrative descriptions about experiences and categorizing these within a predefined quantitative framework, such as the relative importance of different experiences relevant to a phenomenon. The approach combines semi-structured interviewing with technology enhanced card-sorting techniques, allowing participants to define and prioritize what matters most. The method ensures narrative richness alongside structured data collection, facilitating deeper understanding of the phenomenon.

Results:

Perspective Mapping emphasizes participant engagement in data generation and analysis and enables the simultaneous collection of qualitative narratives and quantitative assessment of key concepts. The technique has been successfully applied in research on chronic illness, symptom burden, and digital health technology. Advantages of the approach include systematic collection of qualitative data, transparent and structured data outputs, real-time data validation, and ability to return maps to participants as a form of reciprocity. Pragmatic factors such as interviewer capabilities, participant literacy, interview duration, and technology resources must be considered.

Conclusions:

Perspective Mapping offers an innovative and engaging way to gather complimentary qualitative and quantitative data remotely. By blending qualitative depth with quantitative structure, the technique supports richer, more actionable insights for health research, policy, and beyond. This technique holds promise for applications in psychology, education, and other social sciences where comprehensive experience mapping is essential. Clinical Trial: NA