Reverse engineering digital data: Enhancing understanding of digital information through the creation of data-objects

This research will explore how the creation of physical artifacts or 'data-objects' based on data extracted from complex digital information systems can change the way we read, interpret and respond to computer-generated scientific information.

We will examine how data-objects can facilitate cognitive access to technical data to different communities beyond the engineering/scientific sector, as an alternative way of communicating complex statistical information. The research is based on the premise that scientific graphics remain abstract and unintelligible for people outside of the scientific community and that if this the case, then we need to explore alternative ways in which to visualise the increasingly complex and dense data which is being generated through the use of computing technologies.

In this first study we are using engineering statistics gathered on age, strength and dexterity and this relationship to packaging 'openability' as the starting point for the creation of data-objects. We will be looking specifically at how these types of interventions can assist designers, healthcare workers and care seekers in the understanding of this data.

These data-objects will be created by translating digital information/statistics into 3D computer models, which can then be output into real-world objects using 3D printing techniques. The research will explore if the creation of material based data-objects can bringing better understanding and increased accessibility to scientific data.

The purpose of the research is to explore if the creation of data-objects can facilitate cognitive access to scientific data to different sector communities beyond the engineering/scientific community as an alternative way of communicating complex statistical information. In this scoping study we will be looking specifically at how these types of interventions can assist designers, healthcare workers and care seekers in the understanding of this data. In this first study we are using engineering statistics gathered on age, strength and dexterity in relation to packaging openability. It is hoped that by creating the opportunity for different members of the community to interactive with and gain insights into this scientific data, there could be a knock on effect in the increase of preventative self-monitoring and healthcare measures undertaken. In addition, it is envisaged that this approach to the communication of scientific data to designers, will assist members of the design community in the consideration of the importance of this data when they come to make design decisions.

Both the research methodology (the creation of data-objects) and the research findings will form the basis of a variety of impact opportunities with likely benefits to the heath and well-being sectors, the general public and design professionals. In the case of this research the project website will be used formatively to document research activities through the duration of the project and will offer a forum for discussion. It will also operate as a mechanism for sharing the findings to the broader community. Printed outputs such as journal articles and conference papers will be more summative in nature and targeted to national and international academic communities in design, creative practice, knowledge science, engineering and digital fabrication.

A public exhibition featuring the data-objects will allow audience members to comment on the research through the medium of the exhibition. The feedback collected will inform the final reporting for the project. Both the public exhibition and the website offer opportunities for collecting impact activity data. A catalogue of the public exhibition will also be produced.

The proposed use of computer modeling and digital fabrication techniques represents an innovative approach to the use and application of these technologies and will provide opportunities for different sector communities to be exposed to this exciting, and to many, new way of making objects. This exposure to new making technologies is a knowledge transfer activity in itself. Both the use of digital making technologies and the information within the data-object have the potential to engender academic, economic and societal impact opportunities. Knowledge Transfer specialist within the university can assist with business innovation strategies, third sector and not-for-profit community engagement to develop creative and practical responses to the initial research and extending the potential impact time period.