Data is everywhere and your personal data is probably a greater commodity than you realise. We are all used to the idea that Facebook, Google and Amazon, amongst others, collect personal data in order to create targeted ads and we are aware that personal data can impact a wide range of issues. But most of us don’t seem to realise that we too can use our personal data to our advantage.
In our first talk of 2020, researchers at Lancaster University introduced us to new ideas and research surrounding the data collection industry. Working with several volunteers, including MCR Futurists Ian and Hannah, the team have built up a series of data collecting devices aiming to unpack the nature of personal data collection and what it means to the people collecting it.
The evening was designed to be similar to an Apple presentation. Georgia (another MCR Futurist!) first presented a design fiction intended to provoke the volunteers and inspire new thinking about personal data. The design fiction was based on the idea that the NHS could bring out health-based implants to collect data. People would be able to pay to avoid allowing 3rd parties to access their data (which would be used in research) but they could also access the tech for free if they were willing to share.
This design fiction naturally infuriated the volunteers during their first workshop! Issues of privacy and the problem with allowing wealth to be a differentiating factor in data collection were hotly contested during a lengthy discussion at the workshop.
But the main point of the design fiction was to get the ball rolling and figure out which features and attributes are most important when designing a method for data collection. Privacy was, perhaps, the most discussed issue, particularly as people have become more aware of the compromises they are making everyday without really thinking about it. From here, the research team created a number of prototypes – one for each volunteer – based on their priorities and interests.
While each prototype spoke to an individual volunteer, the Lancaster team then wanted to combine elements of each, essentially asking where the volunteers would compromise. Then the process started again with the researchers producing a further two prototypes from the discussions they had with the volunteers.
Seeing the prototypes in action was a great chance to see the design process and the imaginative ways that the researchers have interpreted the needs of their volunteers. After the talk, it was also interesting to see the audience going to handle the objects and ask questions about their use. Indeed, the research team didn’t waste the opportunity to gather more opinions and quizzed the group to find out what they thought.
Georgia said, “we had a great time presenting to the Manchester Futurists who really engaged with our work and asked a lot of interesting questions too. Definitely a fun group to present to!”
Listen to the Full Talk
Reading List to Take Home
The Quantified Self, Deborah Lupton
Sites to Visit
Who to Follow
Our Next Event:
The Future of Personal Data: Designing a ‘Qualified Self’
https://www.meetup.com/Manchester-Futurists/events/268110086/
Manchester Futurists 