Learn More About Big Data Through This Project

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Lately we have been referencing ‘Big Data’ in some of our journal posts but that may not mean much to those outside of the digital industry. In an effort to help people unfamiliar with the concept of big data Rick Smolan, a former National Geographic photojournalist, is executing (or has executed) “a week-long, mobile-app project which seeks to transform millions of smartphone users into voluntary sensors who will then “measure the world.”

By using digital devices worldwide data, such as location and speed of movement, can be collected and that data will then be analysed by a group of data scientists.

• Potential users will need to download an app, previously released on Sept 26, to participate
• The project is tied to a large-format book and iPad interactive e-book
• The app allows people to compare and share their lives
• The app is available on Android and iPhone
• The book will initially be distributed to “10,000 most influential people around the world” on November 20

In this case becoming a participant in the project also acts as a sort of education or classroom environment. Participants are completely aware of the project and by offering their data they can see how it can be analysed. This type of project or education will offer people a chance to see how big organisations are collecting valuable information from individuals.

In the past we lacked the capability to process the vast number of connections between people and technology but that’s changing. In the future Big Data can be used to analyse any range of relationships on a massive scale. As it becomes easier to process this data, the data will be used more frequently which will bring tremendous value to the users.

IBM does a great job explaining Big Data and their upcoming projects as well as giving practical examples of the possibilities here

If you’re keen to learn how Big Data can be used to create new opportunities or improve existing projects for your organisation email us directly at [email protected] or on Twitter @studioskylab.

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