Ask HN: What's the Preferred Number of Interviews?

Once into the interview process, past whatever initial screen is used, there is often an interview process that involves multiple interviewers and interviews. I'd love to read some opinions on the "right" arrangements for them.

Given the choices:

- More interviews with fewer people each. - Fewer interviews with more people.

Which is preferrable to you as an interviewee? Which is better for you as an interviewer? Any experiences with better results from one or the other?

I can see, and have used, different perspectives on this over the years. Currently I prefer at most two interviewers per interview, which means it takes three rounds at least to get through the HR, management and peer interviews. That seems like a lot, but I feel like four interviewers and one or two interviews is uncomfortable and ineffective.