Telling Ottawa's Story: Empowering Communities Through Accessible Data

Institution: University of Ottawa

CSWB plan priority / Ottawa's 2023-2026 Term of Council priority: Integrated and simpler systems

Project Term: Fall 2024

Course Code: SED3111

Professor(s): Franz Newland

Group Member(s): Amal Hussein and Olivia Ashton

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Objective(s): The objective of this project is to transform static census data into a tool that is accessible, practical, and engaging for users of all backgrounds. Currently, Open Ottawa’s data remains untapped by many residents and organizations due to its complex format and limited accessibility. This project aims to overcome these challenges by redesigning how the data is presented and used.

One goal is to create an interactive dashboard that simplifies data exploration. By categorizing key indicators such as demographics, socio-economic conditions, and housing statistics, the tool allows users to easily access and interpret data that is most relevant to their needs. Users will be able to explore specific wards and generate visualizations that help them understand key trends.

Another key objective is to connect data to real-life applications through a storytelling feature. This section of the tool will provide examples of how residents, businesses, and organizations have used Open Ottawa data for decision-making, such as identifying a location for a business or planning targeted community programs. This feature aims to make the data relatable and demonstrate its potential.

The project also seeks to remove barriers for non-technical users. By providing a user-friendly interface and accessible design, the platform ensures that anyone can explore the data without specialized skills or tools. This is essential to ensure equal access and promote informed decision-making.

Ultimately, the project strives to make Ottawa’s data an active resource for its residents, showcasing its relevance and encouraging its use in impactful ways. Through these objectives, the project enhances public engagement with Open Ottawa’s data and ensures its practical value is realized.

Potential for Impact: This project has the potential to create meaningful short-term and long-term impacts for Ottawa’s residents, businesses, and organizations. In the short term, the interactive dashboard and storytelling feature will increase awareness of Open Ottawa’s data, allowing users to explore ward-specific social, economic, and demographic information easily. This accessibility empowers users to make informed decisions, whether they are non-profits planning community initiatives, businesses evaluating expansion opportunities, or residents seeking to better understand their neighborhoods.

The long-term impacts are equally significant. By making data easier to use and more engaging, the project enables a wide range of stakeholders to integrate it into their decision-making processes. Non-profits can plan programs more effectively by targeting areas with specific needs, such as food insecurity or housing challenges. Businesses can use demographic data to identify growth opportunities, while policymakers and community planners can base their strategies on accurate and up-to-date information.

The storytelling feature further enhances the data’s relevance by connecting it to real-life applications. Highlighting examples of how the data has been used successfully can inspire others to explore its possibilities. This not only promotes the use of Open Ottawa’s data but also strengthens the connection between communities and the city’s resources.

Over time, the project supports greater equity in data access by removing technical barriers and simplifying its presentation. This ensures that a diverse range of users, regardless of their technical expertise, can benefit from the insights available. By encouraging consistent use of Open Ottawa’s data, the project contributes to a more informed and engaged community that can better address local challenges and opportunities.