Growing Data

‘Aiming to bridge the gap between data generated by sensors and human experiences within a city’

Data in public spaces is becoming increasingly valuable for understanding city and citizen behavior, allowing data-driven decisions to be made that benefit the city. The question is whether citizens perceive this as meaningful if they are unaware of this system. Therefore, this project explores making public space data meaningful to citizens.

One solution is to invite engaged citizens to participate in the data system. There is a missing human layer in this system, which provides an opportunity to engage citizens and add human experience data. 

That’s why Growing Data was designed, aiming to bridge the gap between data generated by sensors and human experiences. By sharing stories, ideas, and concerns, citizens contribute to valuable information shaping the city’s future. It consists of a physical installation in various neighborhoods where human experiences can be shared through a microphone and where an AR layer reveals existing data collected by sensors. A website allows deeper data exploration and action, fostering neighborhood growth.

Growing Data makes public space data an open topic that can be presented and discussed on the street, ensuring human experiences having a place alongside facts and figures.

Data in the public space

Transformation

‘Make citizens actively involved in giving data and receiving benefits’

Need profiles

‘Researching citizen’s emotions and needs, leading to five need profiles’

Analyzing rituals of being engaged

‘Let engaged citizens participate in the data system by enriching sensor data’

How it works

1. Visit the installation in your neighbourhood.
2. Scan the QR code to explore existing data.
3. Share human experiences via the microphone.
4. Visit the website to dive deeper.
5. Act on the grown data and let the neighbourhood grow.

Website