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Data Tool Cards

Questions that help policy makers work with data scientists to think about data needs in a policy project.

What it is

Data tool cards are questions that help policy makers work with data scientists to think and discuss possible data they might need to include in their policy project.

When to use it

Data tool cards are useful in the early stages of designing a policy, when you’re trying to understand what data you will need to understand users, the policy problem and also measure success and impact.

Data cards focus on facts and inspiration through words rather than images. Interesting facts are used to try and help policy makers see the importance of data in their policy development.

How to run it

Once everyone has spent a bit of time developing an idea, ask them to pick up a change card to help them push their thinking in a different direction – they can pick as many or as few as they like.

Get teams to present their ideas one by one, with other people giving constructive feedback and explaining the criteria they are using.

Invite participants to vote about which ideas work best.

Discuss together what ideas seem to work and what you want to take forward.