Tackling Mountains of Data

Faced with a mountain of information, one can feel compelled to climb towards the top - seeking clarity of vision at higher elevations. Or, conversely, one can also feel overwhelmed in the shadow of knowledge and sink in a quagmire of muck at the base.

Author Judi Adler wrote;
"Champions know there are no shortcuts to the top. They climb the mountain one step at a time. They have no use for helicopters!"

One step at a time. Faced with volumes of information - whether it be statistics, research, evaluation reports or experience - figuring out the first step is often the trickiest.

This is the time to think simple.

Tips to keep it simple during the early forays into making sense of data is the visual presentation of the information.

1. Get to the point - don't hide the key pieces of information with EVERYTHING available!


2. Pick the right format - think about how numbers, columns, pie charts, colours, maps and pictures can make information easier to digest


3. Keep it simple (we said that already!). With complicated information, make the layout or presentation clean and free of extra frills and clutter.

Once the information is shared, take it apart! Deconstructing complex information doesn't "dummy it down," it allows people to get there heads wrapped around it bit by bit. Community change efforts have a lot of variables. Taking it all in at once runs the risk extreme and total confusion.

One visual and fun way to deconstruct and simplify is by separating all the information at hand on post-it notes or index cards. By breaking down the complexity into bite sized pieces, you can clump them in a variety of ways, sort, re-sort, theme and rearrange. By doing so, people engaged in the work can become active in their roles as meaning makers. They can see information along side other concepts that are important for context. They can make connections that weren't obvious to them (or anyone) when the information was kept in it's original package - whether it be a number, chart, map or story. They can also, visually, connect the single units of information and re-construct the information. This time, however, the familiarity with the information will avoid confusion.

Do your group a favour and help them learn and apply new information by sharing it with them in ways that supports their meaning making journey. Simply, take the first step together (and then another)!

Village Raising Question:

What's your first simple step towards understanding your data?

How do you support a groups meaning making journey?