This might be specific to my role (relatively senior) - so there were a few calls to establish a good match before the interview process formally started. All discussions were candid 2-way conversations that allowed both parties to know why we are moving forward.
The interview process was well laid out, with the hiring manager first outlining who I shall be meeting and for what competencies. He also asked me questions I would like addressed and made sure that I had ample opportunity to ask them all.
Between the pre-interview conversations and the actual interview loop. I spent quite some time with the Abnormal team, but never once did it feel like I (or them) wasted any time.