When we think of data, we tend to think mostly about numerical data - the kind of data that fits neatly into graphs and bar charts. But what about qualitative data? What about words, concepts and expressions that can’t be captured in the same way, can these still be presented as easily?

In this interactive masterclass with former heads of the Guardian’s digital agency, Adam Frost and Tobias Sturt, you’ll learn secrets to visualising qualitative data that is accurate, informative and visually appealing.

You will gain a deep foundational understanding of the art of storytelling, and will learn how to transform dull reports into compelling and memorable visualisations that really convey the stories found in your qualitative data.

This is a practical class where you will be encouraged to sketch and create your own visualisations using the free tools provided. Sample data sets will be shared, although we invite you to bring your own data along to the class.

Course content

Finding stories in qualitative data
Storytelling principles to guide audiences through complex stories
Wireframing qualitative data stories
The importance of copy in data storytelling
Using charts to tell qualitative stories
Using iconography, illustration and photography effectively
Tools and software for telling qualitative data stories

This class is for...

Anyone who wants to unlock the potential of their research findings, interviews transcripts, or other forms of qualitative data.
Anyone who wishes to enhance their data storytelling by understanding the range of tools, techniques and software that can be used.

Our masterclasses are also available for businesses and can be tailored to suit the training needs of your team or organisation. Please contact us at masterclassesforbusiness@theguardian.com to receive further information.

Tutor profile

Adam Frost was formerly head of data visualisation at the Guardian’s digital agency. He is now content director at Add Two, an agency specialising in data visualisation. His work has appeared on the Guardian, the New Statesman, Buzzfeed and elsewhere. Adam has also produced infographics and interactives for a range of public and private sector clients including the Department for Education, Google and Unilever.

Tobias Sturt was head of creative at the Guardian’s digital agency and is now creative director of Add Two. He has been working in digital storytelling for almost two decades using all kinds of media – from web to TV, games and infographics.

Adam Frost and Tobias Sturt’s book Communicating with Data Visualisation: A practical guide is available to purchase in paperback from the Guardian Bookshop. If you are in the UK, you can purchase a book and ticket for the special discounted price of £329 including P&P.

Course Details

Date: Thursday 13 July 2023
Time: 10am-4.30pm (BST)

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

10am BST | 11am CST | 2am PT | 5am ET

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

Data visualisation: Storytelling with qualitative data