Data Input & Output
Before starting to work with the MoLöwe researchers have already generated content that serves as input data for the workshop. This is the starting point for every MoLöwe project. This data depends on the specific research project and can be in the form of numbers, ratings, scenarios, maps, pictures, text or videos. The next step is to prepare this data for the MoLöwe Software.
Data input refers to data you present to your audience, such as numbers, ratings, scenarios, maps, pictures, text or videos. You may already have content that serves as input data for your workshop.
Data output refers to all the new information produced in the workshop. It is based on knowledge gained from the data input. An example would be the results from an audience survey at the end of the workshop.
You need to think about how you want to use your input data, how it should be visualised and what output data you need in order to reach your workshop goal.
Example
Let us take the case of a project that deals with creating new green urban spaces in Lüneburg.
The workshop goals are:
- Researchers: understand how to overcome barriers for creating more green urban infrastructure and which type of infrastructure is most likely to be implemented (green roofs, facades, planting of trees).
- Participants: Understand costs and benefits of green infrastructure and learn perspective of other parties involved.
To this end, they invite city planners and residents to obtain both professional expertise as well as public insight.
For the data input, the researchers have captured the status quo of green urban spaces in Lüneburg in a map. The map contains information on the location, size and type of green spaces in the city (trees, private lawns, parks …). Furthermore, it contains information on buildings with roofs and facades suitable for planting green infrastructure. The researchers have also gathered data on the costs and benefits for increasing green infrastructure. They also have augmented (i.e. photoshopped) photos showing how new green spaces could potentially look like in Lüneburg.
From this data, the researchers developed three possible scenarios that vary in the amount of new green urban spaces.
Using a tablet, workshop participants can now explore the different scenarios. They will see the effect their choice has on costs and benefits in the respective graphs and experience the future green spaces in Lüneburg in the augmented photos. The map shows the spatial differences (i.e. increase in trees of parks). With these tools, abstract findings become tangible which in turn fosters discussions and debates. This output data can then be collected in the form of ratings and surveys.