Transforming Data Accessibility Through Location-Based Engagement

In this piece, I will mostly discuss the topic of data accessibility in informal settlements, however, accessing relevant data to make informed decisions about one’s life is a brother issue and touches on most aspects of everyday life. 

In today’s digital era, data has become a vital asset in driving informed decision-making. From healthcare and education to transportation and entertainment, data provides valuable insights that enable individuals to make more informed choices, enhance efficiency, and improve overall experiences. It has become increasingly evident that in our interconnected world, data empowers individuals to navigate daily challenges and make better decisions in a rapidly evolving landscape.

On the other hand, undocumented communities, such as informal settlements, are often characterized by a lack of access to basic amenities and services, compounded by the limited availability of reliable data. Very little information is available on the quality and quantity of public institutions and amenities, public services, or on the population itself living in these settlements. 

Extensive efforts have been made to document informal settlements in the past decades. Despite the wealth of data collected during these initiatives, translating it into tangible change for the communities has proven challenging. From our perspective, enabling data accessibility represents the crucial initial step, while making it actionable poses a more formidable challenge.

In addition to accuracy, the capacity of data to facilitate action relies heavily on the platforms used for presenting and delivering that data. The choice of platform plays a crucial role in determining whether data remains stagnant or becomes a catalyst for meaningful change. Traditional methods of data presentation, such as reports, printed maps, or static online dashboards, while important, often fall short in facilitating action and engagement. On the other hand, interactive and dynamic platforms, such as mobile applications and location-based services, have the power to transform data into actionable insights. 

More often than not, when it comes to addressing the unique challenges of informal settlements, initiatives tend to gravitate towards the traditional, static methods of data presentation. This may stem from factors such as distrust in communities’ ability to take ownership of their data, fear of empowering communities, or simply a lack of understanding regarding the communities’ technological capabilities and skills. Regardless of the reason, the conventional modes of presenting information often fail to effectively engage communities and facilitate real-time decision-making. One reason for this is that these platforms demand a certain level of familiarity and proficiency in interpreting information, which is typically associated with professionals. We need to adopt an innovative approach that embraces the digital age and meets people where they are.

We believe that there exists a more effective approach to harnessing the potential of data. Drawing inspiration from location-based marketing strategies, we can devise a solution that delivers personalized and contextually relevant information and notifications, increasing engagement and encouraging conversions. These types of location-based services offer a solution by leveraging the prevalence of mobile phones and the Internet in informal settlements. By harnessing the power of these devices, data can be made more accessible to communities. 

Imagine individuals being able to interact with the data that surrounds them, gaining insights into their surroundings, and becoming active participants in addressing the challenges they face. Through targeted campaigns and notifications, augmented reality, tailored search engines, and similar approaches, individuals can be informed about specific data points related to their immediate surroundings. By providing accessible data, individuals become informed advocates for change. They can use these platforms to voice their concerns, collaborate with relevant stakeholders, and contribute to decision-making processes. This fosters a sense of engagement, ownership, and empowerment, as they gain insights into critical aspects such as infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, security, and more. By transforming mobile phones and the Internet into platforms for data delivery, we enable individuals to engage with information and actively participate in initiatives aimed at improving their living conditions.

Furthermore, the ability to access and utilize data in the field can support public servants to make more informed decisions in almost real-time. Policymakers and authorities can have instant access to up-to-date data in the field, enabling them to address issues promptly and efficiently. Imagine a scenario where a public servant embarks on a field visit, equipped with a mobile phone containing a comprehensive display of all the key topics about their work in the area they are visiting. Imagine having detailed descriptions and locations of the prevalent issues, proposed solutions, and even commentary from the local community at their fingertips while they’re “doing the rounds”. This type of accelerated decision-making process can lead to significant improvements in the quality of service delivery and subsequently the quality of life within communities.

As we explore the potential of location-based services in development, we must also address and prioritize privacy and ethical considerations. Respecting data protection regulations and ensuring proper consent is essential. Transparency should guide the collection and use of location data, while data protection laws should govern the data restrictions, duties, and obligations of data controllers and data processors, maintaining trust between all stakeholders involved.

The era of printed maps and static dashboards as the primary means of presenting data about and to the communities is long-due for an overhaul. The location-based approach can be a transformative solution for development that addresses the data gap and empowers communities. By leveraging mobile technology and creating avenues for people to interact with the data, we can make information more relevant, timely, actionable, and more importantly, useful for the end user.