designing with data

We believe that a more transparent approach to data sharing will be good for society. Heres 4 reasons why: 1. To build trust amongst communities We are designing digital tools that aim to make data more open, more visual and more accessible - so that people can filter it, ask more questions, find relevant information based on their interests and contribute their own data. Tools like our platform “Made Open” will provide local authorities with a place to open up their problems and citizens with a tool to share local knowledge and ideas for solving them. Issues such as poor health, climate change, dementia, education, crime and poverty could be better understood if we enable citizens to contribute knowledge and ideas. Made Open will enable people to start projects and find the people, skills, resources and money they need to make things happen. 2. To protect and shape our environment Data about the relationships between people and places can help us protect and ehance our environments. We have recently designed a prototype web application with ECEHH that enables people to share information and a photo of a place they have visited and tag it to a location on a map. Users are asked a series of questions about the location (including type of habitat and how the environment makes you feel). User can upload photos and look back at their record of activity. This citizen science approach to research is becoming more popular and has the potential to reach out to more people and provide scientists, government planners the information they need to create happier and healthier environments. 3. To empower people to help themselves Stop the Traffik are helping community groups from around the world to combat human trafficking? The website enables people to share knowledge, collate data and pinpoint human trafficking incidents on an interactive map. The website’s innovative mapping technology helps campaigners and crime agencies to discover patterns of reported incidents and expose trafficking hotspots, ultimately leading them to take action to combat the crime. 4. To help businesses thrive Data can provide small and large businesses with a better understanding of their customers and their markets. It can also help entrepreneurs spot opportunities for products and service innovation. Data about local businesses can also help government target economic support in the right areas. Data about economic investments can help people understand the future jobs markets and what skills they might need for future jobs.