What if it was easy?

What is good data?

Earlier this week I shared that my “Why” for working in data is because “Good data makes lives better”.

Good data measures up. It’s aligned to the standard.

Here’s one part of the standard…one way to think about measuring up.

Ease of use.

Without question, good data is easy to use, consume, and understand. It can’t make lives better without being easy.

Here’s a bit about what that could mean.

• Accessible data - Data I can find easily, I have access to, and doesn’t require skills I don’t have.

• Clear data - Data I can understand, explain to others, and that answers my questions

• Reliable data - Data I can expect at a specific time, in the expected format, with an appropriate level of quality.

• Integrated data - Data that merges, translates, and connects with my other key data points.

• etc.

Together, we could continue to come up with a very long list.

In short, good data is easy to use.

And good data - data that measures up to the standard - makes lives better.

Before you go, tell me about one area of your life where you encounter. Rate the ease of use that you experience. On a scale of 1-10, how does it measure up?

We’ll talk more about good data tomorrow.

Sawyer