DATA VISUALISATION AS A TOOL FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND EMPATHY BUILDING
Year: 2023
Editor: Buck, Lyndon; Grierson, Hilary; Bohemia, Erik
Author: Gill, Carolina; Umstead, Kelly; Behnam Asl, Sana; Mahtani, Raunak
Series: E&PDE
Institution: North Carolina State University, United States of America
Section: Design and engineering from under-represented perspectives
DOI number: 10.35199/EPDE.2023.102
ISBN: 978-1-912254-19-4
Abstract
Visualisations provide an accessible way to unveil new patterns or promote new perspectives on data. Data visualisations can also aid in highlighting the context and scope of social issues and is a compelling way to disseminate research findings to the general public. This paper presents an interactive exhibit displayed at the 2022 Accelerate Creativity and Innovation Festival, at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. The exhibit utilised participatory and interactive visualisations, prompting visitors to share their experiences regarding trust and respect in maternity care. This case study demonstrates how a design research team effectively utiliaed participatory visualisation activities to educate and engage museum visitors on sensitive topics in maternity care and inequities in postnatal care. The use of these activities allowed for an inclusive experience, encouraging visitors to actively participate, reflect, and contribute to the conversation. Additionally, it allowed the research team to disseminate and validate their findings.
Keywords: Participatory data visualization, human centered design, design research, maternity care disparities, health equity