Short answer

When designing systems or strategies involving open data, prioritize the identification and mitigation of human, ethical, and institutional barriers, alongside the development of robust technical solutions.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
Information (2023)
Method
Scoping Review
Sample
1192 studies identified, 55 included in analysis
Evidence
Strong effect

The effective utilization of open data for innovation and service improvement is significantly influenced by a complex interplay of technical, institutional, personnel, ethical, and legal factors, not just the data itself. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Information. Using Scoping review with 1192 studies identified, 55 included in analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing systems or strategies involving open data, prioritize the identification and mitigation of human, ethical, and institutional barriers, alongside the development of robust technical solutions.

Study
User-Centred DesignRecentStrong effect

Open Data Success Hinges on Addressing Human and Systemic Factors

The effective utilization of open data for innovation and service improvement is significantly influenced by a complex interplay of technical, institutional, personnel, ethical, and legal factors, not just the data itself.

Information · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01Fourteen potential supporting factors were identified.
  • 02Thirteen barriers were identified.
  • 03Factors span technical, institutional, personnel, ethical, and legal domains.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing systems or strategies involving open data, prioritize the identification and mitigation of human, ethical, and institutional barriers, alongside the development of robust technical solutions.

How to apply

Conduct stakeholder analysis to identify potential barriers and support mechanisms early in the design process for any open data project.

Project actions

  • 01When researching open data, consider the 'human' aspects like user training, data literacy, and ethical concerns.
  • 02Investigate the organizational and legal structures that might support or impede the sharing and use of data.
03

Method & Evidence

AimWhat are the primary barriers and supporting factors influencing the effective use and anonymization of personal data as open data?
MethodScoping Review
ProcedureA systematic review of scientific literature was conducted across multiple databases, supplemented by a Google Scholar search, to identify studies discussing barriers, support factors, and anonymization of personal data for open data initiatives.
Sample1192 studies identified, 55 included in analysis
ContextOpen Data initiatives, Data Science, Information Management

Variables

IV["Presence of specific barriers (e.g., technical, legal, ethical)","Presence of specific support factors (e.g., training, clear policies, infrastructure)"]
DV["Effectiveness of open data utilization","Success of data anonymization","Innovation driven by open data"]
CV["Type of data (personal vs. non-personal)","Sector of application (e.g., health, transport)","Geographical region"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases.
  • +Systematic approach to identifying barriers and support factors.

Limitations

The specific barriers and support factors may vary significantly depending on the domain and type of data being considered.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the review is supported by its systematic methodology and the use of multiple databases. Validity is enhanced by the broad scope of the search and the inclusion of diverse study types, though the synthesis of findings across different contexts may introduce some variability.

Think critically

How might the identified barriers and support factors differ between public sector open data and private sector open data initiatives?

05

Design Principles

"Holistic system design for data initiatives must account for socio-technical factors."

Designers and researchers aiming to leverage open data must look beyond purely technical solutions. Understanding and proactively mitigating identified barriers, while fostering supportive elements, is crucial for successful implementation and achieving desired societal benefits.

06

What This Means for Your Design

To make open data useful, you need to think about more than just the computers and code; you need to consider the people, rules, and how organizations work.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this research to justify the inclusion of user research, ethical considerations, and stakeholder analysis in your design project.
  • 2.Cite this as evidence for the importance of a multi-faceted approach to data management and utilization.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights that the success of open data initiatives is not solely dependent on technical infrastructure but is critically influenced by a range of human, institutional, ethical, and legal factors. Therefore, any design project involving open data must proactively address these socio-technical dimensions to ensure effective implementation and societal benefit.

09

Source

Information

A Scoping Review on Analysis of the Barriers and Support Factors of Open Data

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about open data success hinges on addressing human and systemic factors?
When designing systems or strategies involving open data, prioritize the identification and mitigation of human, ethical, and institutional barriers, alongside the development of robust technical solutions. Evidence: Information (2023).
Why does "Open Data Success Hinges on Addressing Human and Systemic Factors" matter for design?
Designers and researchers aiming to leverage open data must look beyond purely technical solutions. Understanding and proactively mitigating identified barriers, while fostering supportive elements, is crucial for successful implementation and achieving desired societal benefits.
How can designers apply this research?
When designing systems or strategies involving open data, prioritize the identification and mitigation of human, ethical, and institutional barriers, alongside the development of robust technical solutions.
What were the main findings?
Fourteen potential supporting factors were identified.. Thirteen barriers were identified.. Factors span technical, institutional, personnel, ethical, and legal domains.
What research method was used?
Scoping Review with 1192 studies identified, 55 included in analysis.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Information.
What should I do differently in my next project?
Conduct stakeholder analysis to identify potential barriers and support mechanisms early in the design process for any open data project.
What are the limitations?
The review focuses on existing literature and may not capture emerging or undocumented barriers and support factors.