Notes
Qualitative research, AI, and local-first software.
Writing on methodology, tool comparisons, and the tradeoffs of building a research tool that keeps data on-device.
NVivo alternatives in 2026: what actually replaces it (and what doesn't)
An honest survey of MAXQDA, ATLAS.ti, Delve, Taguette, and where local-first AI tools fit — without pretending every alternative is a drop-in replacement.
What "IRB-compliant AI transcription" actually requires
A practical checklist for evaluating whether a transcription tool actually fits your review board's data-handling protocol — not just its marketing page.
How to use AI in qualitative coding without giving up your judgment
Why the methodological unease about AI-assisted coding is legitimate, what "conditional trust" research reveals, and a framework for keeping AI as suggestion, not substitution.
Local vs. cloud transcription for research: what actually matters
An honest technical comparison — speed, cost structure, offline capability, and accuracy — without assuming local is automatically better.
Qualitative coding: a starter guide
Deductive vs. inductive coding, what a codebook is for, saturation, inter-rater reliability, and the mistakes most new researchers make.
Qualitative analysis software for a dissertation built on interviews
Transcription, coding, memos and a methods appendix on one Mac, for a thesis that rests on interviews.
Interview analysis for UX researchers whose recordings are confidential
Transcribe, code and compare customer interviews on your own Mac when recordings cannot leave your control.
Liminon vs NVivo, MAXQDA and ATLAS.ti: what we could verify
A sourced comparison on license model, where the AI runs, platforms and NVivo import.
Qualitative data analysis software compared: twelve tools, each fact from an official page
Twelve tools side by side: price shown, platform, where the AI runs, and who each one suits.
MAXQDA alternative for interview research on a Mac
MAXQDA versus Liminon on license, AI location, platforms and transcription, with the cases where MAXQDA wins.
ATLAS.ti alternative for interview analysis on a Mac
ATLAS.ti versus Liminon: AI processing, platforms, transcription and import, from official pages.
Delve alternative for coding interviews without a monthly fee
Delve versus Liminon: monthly versus one-time cost, cloud versus local, and who each suits.
Quirkos alternative for interviews on a Mac
Quirkos versus Liminon: price, AI stance, platforms, import and which to pick.
Taguette alternative when you need transcription and exports
Free open-source Taguette versus Liminon: what the extra cost buys, and when Taguette is enough.
Skimle alternative for interview analysis that stays on your Mac
Skimle versus Liminon: EU cloud versus local Mac, subscription versus one-time, and when each fits.
Dovetail alternative for research interviews you can't upload
Dovetail versus Liminon: a feedback platform versus a local interview workstation.
Try Liminon free for 14 days
Transcribe, code, and analyze interviews entirely on your Mac — nothing leaves your machine.
macOS 14+ · Apple Silicon (M1 or later) · 14-day free trial