Data Waypoints, derived from my experience of virtual ethnography of the gaming paradigm, are digital hubs that act as key connection points within communities, enabling people to access, generate, and share information. These waypoints support local research and decision-making by providing the infrastructure for data collection, digital resources, and collaboration. They bridge the gap between underserved communities and the digital world, empowering individuals and organisations to work on projects that matter to them. But, Why do they matter?
Since the beginning of our work with NHS Digital (NHS England), Higher Education Institutions, Tenants Resident Associations and Community Organisations, we have spoken to many marginalised adults and children to identify their needs and challenges.
However, the participants have been recruited through agencies and community organisations, and subsequent usability studies and focus groups have been conducted online via MS Teams.
This narrows down the profile of persons accessed and spoken to in three ways.
- First, these participants must have been registered with a recruitment agency.
- Second, they must have been somewhat tech-savvy to speak to us over a MS Teams call.
- Third, they have support to access and use MS Teams.
We are aware that this introduces bias into our findings and reduces our understanding of the needs of other groups who are not available via this means of recruitment.
To this end, the next phase of my inclusion work at IFB Gaming will focus on individuals and groups who:
- Are not registered with a recruitment or research agency.
- Are not tech-savvy.
- Do not have access to MS Team.
- Do not have access to support to access MS Team.
The Role of Data Waypoints
IFB Data Waypoint is a pioneering approach to supporting community-led research. These waypoints serve as crucial hubs, providing local groups with the digital infrastructure they need to connect, collect and share data, and make informed decisions for the betterment of their communities.
Community-led research thrives when local voices are heard and supported by data. IFB Data Waypoints play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide by providing accessible hubs where individuals and organisations can collaborate, collect, and share information.
These waypoints offer the technological infrastructure for communities to conduct research on topics that matter most to them—whether it’s digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, or social issues. By fostering digital literacy and facilitating access to tools, Data Waypoints enable communities to take control of their own narratives and outcomes.
Through this initiative, research becomes a grassroots effort, where the insights gathered locally can be used to drive meaningful, data-driven change. With the support of IFB Data Waypoints, individuals can participate in and generate research, and analyse and apply the findings to improve their community’s well-being. This model supports an inclusive, bottom-up approach to social progress, where data becomes a tool for empowerment and change.
Data Waypoints contribute to community growth, innovation, and social impact by fostering digital inclusion and facilitating access to technology.