A framework is presented that can be used to create and execute software applications that include a user interview. The framework includes run-time engines and a data repository. The run-time engines include an interview driver. The data repository includes interview instructions and model information. The interview driver generates or modifies an instantiated data model by using the interview instructions and model information to obtain information from a user. The interview instructions include flow control information, prompts, and user interface (UI) information. The flow control information specifies how to traverse a graph of the data model and can include, for example: pre-defined sequence, rules/heuristics (including idea of groups), graph-search, or combination; discover vs. explore data model element; once discovered, explore immediately vs. defer until later.