Final Thesis: A Web Service Frontend for Archiving and Providing QDA Artifacts

Abstract: Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) such as MAXQDA, NVivo, and ATLAS.ti, enable researchers to analyze, organize, and code qualitative research data. The resulting Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) artifact contains not only primary research data, such as interview transcripts, but also analytical information including annotations, code systems, and other metadata generated throughout the research process. These artifacts are of significant scientific value but are commonly stored in proprietary file formats that limit the interoperability between different CAQDAS tools and complicate their long-term preservation, reuse, and accessibility. Existing research repositories generally treat such artifacts as ordinary files, neither exposing nor supporting their internal structure. QDArchive is an ongoing research project that addresses these challenges by providing a web-based platform for archiving, managing, and sharing QDA artifacts. This platform seeks to support researchers and reviewers by enabling long-term preservation and improving accessibility of qualitative research data while promoting interoperability through standardized formats. This thesis investigates,designs, and implements the first frontend prototype of the QDArchive platform. The developed frontend supports the core functionalities of user authentication, project management, artifact upload and download, and archive exploration. The frontend was implemented using modern web technologies, including Next.js, React, TypeScript, and Material UI, by providing a scalable and maintainable interface for interacting with the underlying QDArchive services. The resulting prototype shows the feasibility of providing an intuitive and accessible interface for managing qualitative research artifacts within QDArchive. Finally, the implemented functionality is evaluated against the initial and evolving system requirements, therefore providing a foundation for future development of the platform and supporting the long-term goal of preserving qualitative research artifacts in an interoperable and reusable manner.

Keywords: Qualitative data, Qualitative data analysis, QDA, QDArchive

PDF: Master Thesis

Reference: Sara Pervana. A Web Service Frontend for Archiving and Providing QDA Artifacts. Master Thesis. Technische Universität Berlin: 2026.