Name: Ayse Asli Ilhan
University: University of the Arts London
Institute: Creative Computing Institue
Program: MSc Data Science and AI
Assignment: Element 2
Unit Title: Data, People and Society: Advanced Topics
The role of data cannot be underestimated. Especially in urban and academic institutions, and even more recently in policy shaping with increased awareness and effort. We now have access to environmental data with advanced sensor technology and the invention of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Therefore, this is the time and place to discuss the impact of our data, analysis and insights. In this article, it was evaluated how the data collected from room 308, which is used as a lecture hall on the 3rd floor of the Creative Computing Institute's (CCI) campus in High Holborn, could affect policy shaping and some understandings. In particular, we will analyze and critically approach the visualization of this data, the logic behind the choices that shape the presentation, its possible impact on policy shaping and its potential consequences. To better understand the issue, we can evaluate the intersection between data science and public policy by considering it within the framework of Data Visualization for Advocacy and Awareness.
The visualization you see in the plugin is a visualization attempt to represent real-time air quality data obtained via an IoT sensor device from the previously mentioned lecture room 308 in the High Holborn Building and make it more than a complex set of values. The reason behind choosing this format was the desire to represent the flow and concentration of particulate matter in the air in a vectorial form. With this visualization, the density and movement of air particles of different sizes (0.3 micron, 1 micron, 2.5 micron and 10 micron), light intensity and the number of devices that allow us to analyze this data from the room were measured.
Figure 1: Visualization of Air Quality
The choice of using this dynamic vector for data visualization is because the dynamics and flow of air movements are desired to be effectively represented. Rather than a static and static visualization, dynamic vector fields provide an intuitive depiction of air quality in a spatial domain by resetting both the intensity and orientation of the movement of air particles. It enables discrimination between various particle sizes and concentrations using different tones, agents, densities and velocities, and enables comprehensive observation of the ambient air quality.
We can say that air quality data is very important for the health and well-being of the students studying at CCI, the educators and researchers who provide education and continue their research, as well as the health and well-being of the personnel providing our safety and operation, and even the design of policies and practices aimed at facilitating and efficient use of the area. By analyzing this data, the Institute can promote a healthier and more sensitive academic environment and develop conscious strategies by improving indoor quality, functionality according to the frequency of space use, and taking environmental precautions.
Improvement of Ventilation Systems: The data can constantly reveal when the air quality inside the building is good or poor. Thanks to this information, it can guide the installation of more advanced ventilation systems, if necessary, or the improvement and better design of systems to ensure better circulation and filtration.
Scheduling and Occupancy Management: Likewise, using real-time IoT data, room density data can be evaluated to provide better air quality in classrooms or adequate ventilation between the most heavily used areas.