In this work we describe the process followed to create the “Hopscotch Model”, a tool to help novice researchers to thoroughly accomplish with the design of qualitative research studies. The model helps to incorporate the theoretical background behind any qualitative study, as well as the intrinsic complexity of the multiple technical procedures that could be followed within the many different traditions in the field. The model is supported by an easy to use web-tool that drives researchers through the design of qualitative studies. In this article we describe the different phases followed to generate the conceptual model and the web-tool created to support it. We conceived the Hopscotch model as a “boundary object” plastic-enough to adapt to local needs and constraints of the stakeholders using it, yet robust enough to maintain a common identity across different communities, frameworks and possible scenarios in which it could be employed. Therefore, the proposed model is not intended to be neither complete nor prescriptive, but a flexible tool that can evolve and be completed by anyone using it.