Abstract
Background. Global Software Engineering (GSE) poses several challenges during the software design process. While the existing literature provides practices and guidelines to improve architecture knowledge management in GSE-based software organizations, the challenges related to organizing collaboration during the software design process still need attention. Aim. This study aims to identify the collaboration challenges faced by distributed teams during the software design process and provide recommendations. Method. We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight professionals working in different GSE-based organizations. Results. The study revealed three challenges that underscore the negative impact of the distributed setting on team collaboration during the software design process. Conclusion. We provide recommendations and propose future research direction to enhance team collaboration in the software design process for GSE-based organizations.