
Introduction
SmartInterview’s AI-powered vocal interviews can be combined with LimeSurvey to add qualitative depth to your quantitative research. LimeSurvey is a flexible open-source survey platform that supports advanced customization, including HTML, URL parameters, and conditional logic. This allows multiple integration approaches depending on your setup.LimeSurvey Capabilities
| Feature | LimeSurvey |
|---|---|
| Custom HTML in questions | Yes |
| iframe embedding | Yes |
| URL redirects | Yes |
| JavaScript support | Yes |
| Recommended integration | Widget (embed) or Redirect |
Integration Options:
Option A: Widget (Embed SmartInterview inside LimeSurvey)
The respondent stays within LimeSurvey. A SmartInterview question appears inline as an embedded widget. Step 1 — Get your embed code In SmartInterview:- Go to Builder → Widget
- Copy the embed code:
⚠️ allow="microphone; camera" is required for vocal questions.
Step 2 - Insert in LimeSurvey
- Add a Text / HTML question
- Open the HTML editor
- Paste the iframe code
- Replace
RESPONDENT_IDwith LimeSurvey variable
(e.g.{TOKEN}or{SID}depending on the setup)
- ✅ Advantages
- No navigation away from LimeSurvey
- Seamless respondent experience
- Full compatibility with LimeSurvey logic & quotas
⚠️ Limitations
- Requires iframe support (usually enabled)
- Must test on your LimeSurvey hosting environment
Option B: Redirect (Link from LimeSurvey to SmartInterview)
The respondent is redirected to SmartInterview and then returns to LimeSurvey.Flow:
LimeSurvey → SmartInterview (AI interview) → LimeSurveyStep 1 — Prepare your SmartInterview survey
- Create your survey in SmartInterview
- Go to Builder → Settings
Configuration:
- Set
user_id= null - Add a Return URL (your LimeSurvey survey link)
Step 2 — Configure redirect in LimeSurvey
- Add a URL redirect/end URL / link question
- Insert your SmartInterview survey link:
💡 Tip:
Add instruction text like:“For the next part, please click the link and answer using your voice or text.”
Step 3 — Configure return to LimeSurvey
In SmartInterview:- Set Redirect URL back to LimeSurvey
What gets captured
All URL parameters from LimeSurvey:- Stored in the respondent transcript
- Available as metadata
- Usable in display logic
- Passed back to LimeSurvey
Using Display Conditions
Example: Pass parameter:- Field:
group - Operator: equals
- Value:
A
Summary: Which approach to choose?
If you want the best UX:
👉 Use Widget (Embed)- No redirects
- Fully integrated experience
If you want simple setup:
👉 Use Redirect- Easy to configure
- Works in all cases
Recommendation
Why SmartInterview alone can be more efficient
Using two platforms can create:- Respondent friction (switching interfaces)
- Fragmented data
- Extra setup & maintenance
- Structured questions
- AI vocal interviews
- Real-time transcription
- Automated coding (Pulse Classifier)
- Sentiment analysis
Quick Start Checklist
- Create your SmartInterview survey
- Choose: Embed or Redirect
- Configure Return URL
- Add an iframe or a link in LimeSurvey
- Test full flow
- Validate captured data

