This article introduces the reader to the fundamental elements and process of a qualitative research design. It argues that a research design is more than a researcher's plan to do qualitative research. The importance of the interrelatedness of the elements in the research undertaken is explained from an insider perspective. As a starting point and basis to understand the development of a qualitative research design, this article firstly provides background information on the meaning of design in qualitative research. Following this the theoretical approaches in qualitative research, the formulation of the research question, research strategies, the choice of a research setting or sampling, and the different qualitative research methodologies that could be followed to develop a conceptual framework for the research, are discussed. Lastly, attention is given to the importance of the research design as tool for trustworthy research