An Experiment on Personalizing Data
As a Digital Studies class, we were tasked with following the instructions of information designers, Giorgia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec, by graphing our use of our mobile apps. This assignment caused us to focus on a digital aspect of our lives, apps, but the way we portrayed our data was on paper. This contrasted to how I originally viewed data as only being displayed as graphics or numbers on a computer.
The original Dear Data project consisted of a weekly correspondence with Lupi and Posavec through postcards in which they shared data on their personal lives. Each week a new topic was established, for instance, how many times they looked at the clock, and each designer created a unique visual graphic representing their experience and sent it to the other.
The Dear Data project helped Lupi and Posavec realize that the data that they were creating was “an indication of our personalities and lives as well.” Not only did the way the data was displayed indicate each designers creativity, the data itself provided a glimpse into their daily life. Also, by focusing on new topics each week and illustrating the task, they were “marking [their] awareness” of the world around them. Similarly, I felt this project made me more aware of the quantity of apps I had on my phone and how few apps I regularly used.
We are often caught up with all the data we have collected and don’t know what to do with it. Whereas this project allows people to collect data that is automatically relevant because it represents their life. This reminds me of the trending topic to “humanize data,” by understanding that the data that is collected over time represents real people. For instance, companies are realizing that “humanizing data provides meaningful stories that quickly capture the context of data value and use,” which can help connect to consumers.
I learned that data can be more than numbers and that there does not have to be a single format for how data is displayed. Also, data can provide insight into one’s life in a colorful and engaging way. Growing up, data always had a mathematical cognition, but I understand now that it involves equal parts creativity.
The apps that I use most frequently are related to social media or are the pre-programmed apps on my phone such as, reminders and weather. On the other hand, I didn’t use the random apps that came with my phone, such as Compass and Stocks. This seemed to show that I use my phone in a way that increases my connection with my friends and family. In addition, I use my phone as a functional tool to allow me to check the time and plan my outfit according to the weather.
I did notice that a had a few apps relating to finance and this contributes to the fact that I like to budget my money and keep track of spending. I think that compared to many of my peers, I have more of these apps on my phone. I was surprised by how many apps I have that I do not use. I think this is because I keep them with the belief that I will need them again. However, the app store allows you to re-download apps after you have deleted them, so there shouldn’t be a worry.
After completing this activity, I think I am going to go through my apps and prioritize the ones I use most, so I can clear some of the clutter off my phone. Also, I am going to think about the opportunities for collecting data in my own life and how I can represent it in an analog way. This will be a good way for me to take a step back from technology and reflect on my own life.
