Data Action: Using Data for A Public Good

Sarah Williams's talk, "Data Action: Using Data for A Public Good," delivered on October 5, 2023, demonstrated how data can be harnessed to address societal challenges while emphasizing the ethical imperative of these actions. Examples include:

·         Using data from the prison incarceration system to create maps that exposed the lack of access to education and jobs for formerly incarcerated individuals. This data-driven approach successfully influenced congressional representatives to support the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Act in 2009.

·         In Nairobi, Kenya, local students helped to map informal transit routes. The project not only improved transportation but also ensured that technology stayed within the communities where it was built. However, Williams warned that even well-intentioned data projects can sometimes have unintended consequences, and vigilance is crucial.

·          Data can be used to inform policy change. Williams presented data on why Guatemalan households migrate, highlighting the staggering financial burden associated with migration to the United States. The project’s interactive data visualization elements were used by congressional representatives and their aides to understand different narratives and eventually advocate for increased funding.

·         A project using Facebook Data for Good addressed connectivity disparities in low-income communities. Williams emphasized the importance of co-design and collaboration with the local population. This approach extended to projects involving air quality monitoring, living data hubs, and wireless networks, underscoring the transformative power of data in these communities.

In addition, the talk also delved into "Exposing Hidden Systems" and "Ground Truth." She explained how unique data acquisition methods could reveal hidden systems, like the case of ghost cities in China and the Chinese real estate market. As part of the "Ground Truth" she emphasized data validation through direct engagement with the affected communities and building capacity.

The lecture briefly touched on using data visualization to study and simplify land use, referencing work with NYC zoning data to identify underdeveloped areas. Additionally, Williams discussed her work on "Migrants on the Move," using data to map and address the challenges faced by migrants, enhancing empathy, and improving risk identification and response.

The talk provided a comprehensive exploration of the transformative power of data for the public good. Williams fervently emphasized the ethical use of data and the significance of involving communities and diverse expertise to engender meaningful and positive change, and her work at Civic Design Lab serves as a testament to the vast potential of data-driven storytelling in addressing real-world challenges.