Reverse engineering digital data: Enhancing understanding of digital information through the creation of data-objects

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This research will explore how the creation of physical artifacts or 'data-objects' based on data extracted from complex digital information systems can change the way we read, interpret and respond to computer-generated scientific information. We will examine how data-objects can facilitate cognitive access to technical data to different communities beyond the engineering/scientific sector, as an alternative way of communicating complex statistical information. The research is based on the premise that scientific graphics remain abstract and unintelligible for people outside of the scientific community and that if this the case, then we need to explore alternative ways in which to visualise the increasingly complex and dense data which is being generated through the use of computing technologies. In this first study we are using engineering statistics gathered on age, strength and dexterity and this relationship to packaging 'openability' as the starting point for the creation of data-objects. We will be looking specifically at how these types of interventions can assist designers, healthcare workers and care seekers in the understanding of this data.These data-objects will be created by translating digital information/statistics into 3D computer models, which can then be output into real-world objects using 3D printing techniques. The research will explore if the creation of material based data-objects can bringing better understanding and increased accessibility to scientific data.