Civic Data in Fragile Times

This talk looks at what we have learned from two civic data projects: mapping urban heat and observing eviction courts. It explores how data and relationships change when democratic institutions are under strain. Data still matters, but its meaning is fragile and depends on the relationships that support it. It needs to be constantly created, maintained, and protected. This means we should see civic data as part of ongoing work to keep recognition and possibility alive. In this talk, I also consider what this means for design. Instead of seeing design as a grand force for change, I want to suggest a more modest approach. The aim is to better understand the limits of design and how design can act responsibly within contested civic life.

Carl DiSalvo is a Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His work explores the political potentials and limitations of design. He is the author of Adversarial Design and Design as Democratic Inquiry.