I don't think I have every given as much sustained attention to databases as you have for this assignment (other than to generally loathe them--but that's my mind-numbing-temp-work-issue). I definitely have never really thought of them as a medium, but it now seems so clear that they mediate experience and not in a transparent way, as you clearly show.
I had to look at what you've done, even though I'm trying to branch out, because I respect the work you've done at Legal Action and I wondered if you would bring that in at all.
Okay, so I have to ask, does your interest in limits of database and SQL have anything to do with how much you have to rely on this sort of data to do your job? By that I mean, how does your understanding of the limits and liabilities of databases relate to the sorts of data you've had to look at and extrapolate human needs/ experiences/ wants/ etc? I'm think of the studies done on social justice in Milwaukee, and others where we are expected to draw out a lived experience from a limited data set.
Thanks, Adam. That's the reason I'm in Grad School: To overthink the hell out of something obscure. I'm kidding, truly. As Avery (rightly) calls me out in his post/comment/questions, I do indeed think about this stuff (because of practical experience) a bunch. One of jobs at Legal Action of Wisconsin is to publicize our work (in service to a bunch of different and often nebulous end results.) And, as Avery knows, transforming information from my firm's/organization's database (and other media) into information that effectively moves our mission forward is challenging and problematic -- because of the form in which it arrives on my desk and because of the ways that the content has been shaped by that form. The information is shaped by a database and is therefore not neutral and the technology that produced it is not neutral and the end desired result is not neutral and on and on and on.....
Aw, Avery: You're right. Clearly, you've demonstrated that there's a lot to be gained from knowing your friend's/colleague's work and interests well. Thanks for reminding me of this. I like the reciprocity. That transition from database to usable/useful information is a big jump. And, the transition from lawyer-speak (as you learned from the history document) is also a big jump. And I keep trying to make those leaps.
This may not be your own experience with the database, but since reading some of the content organization/management theory in Information Design, I wonder if sometimes folks get frustrated with databases because each one uses somebody else's mental organization. If somebody else who doesn't think like you wants you to use their organization system, you might not have the easiest time finding everything, and applying the categories to nuanced content that must be added.
Extensive audience analysis would ideally be part of developing the best database for end users, to be certain to use their language and serve the ends that will be most useful to them. I don't think that's always reality in the workplace.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on media this semester, -Kim
I don't think I have every given as much sustained attention to databases as you have for this assignment (other than to generally loathe them--but that's my mind-numbing-temp-work-issue). I definitely have never really thought of them as a medium, but it now seems so clear that they mediate experience and not in a transparent way, as you clearly show.
ReplyDeleteDeedee--
ReplyDeleteI had to look at what you've done, even though I'm trying to branch out, because I respect the work you've done at Legal Action and I wondered if you would bring that in at all.
Okay, so I have to ask, does your interest in limits of database and SQL have anything to do with how much you have to rely on this sort of data to do your job? By that I mean, how does your understanding of the limits and liabilities of databases relate to the sorts of data you've had to look at and extrapolate human needs/ experiences/ wants/ etc? I'm think of the studies done on social justice in Milwaukee, and others where we are expected to draw out a lived experience from a limited data set.
Thanks, Adam. That's the reason I'm in Grad School: To overthink the hell out of something obscure. I'm kidding, truly. As Avery (rightly) calls me out in his post/comment/questions, I do indeed think about this stuff (because of practical experience) a bunch. One of jobs at Legal Action of Wisconsin is to publicize our work (in service to a bunch of different and often nebulous end results.) And, as Avery knows, transforming information from my firm's/organization's database (and other media) into information that effectively moves our mission forward is challenging and problematic -- because of the form in which it arrives on my desk and because of the ways that the content has been shaped by that form. The information is shaped by a database and is therefore not neutral and the technology that produced it is not neutral and the end desired result is not neutral and on and on and on.....
ReplyDeleteAw, Avery: You're right. Clearly, you've demonstrated that there's a lot to be gained from knowing your friend's/colleague's work and interests well. Thanks for reminding me of this. I like the reciprocity. That transition from database to usable/useful information is a big jump. And, the transition from lawyer-speak (as you learned from the history document) is also a big jump. And I keep trying to make those leaps.
Hi Deedee,
ReplyDeleteNice to see you again in class, too.
This may not be your own experience with the database, but since reading some of the content organization/management theory in Information Design, I wonder if sometimes folks get frustrated with databases because each one uses somebody else's mental organization. If somebody else who doesn't think like you wants you to use their organization system, you might not have the easiest time finding everything, and applying the categories to nuanced content that must be added.
Extensive audience analysis would ideally be part of developing the best database for end users, to be certain to use their language and serve the ends that will be most useful to them. I don't think that's always reality in the workplace.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on media this semester,
-Kim