ALLTHEHOMES Zillow and the operational context of data

ALLTHEHOMES. * Zillow and the operational context of data Data Power 2017 | Yanni Loukissas | Digital Media/LMC GATech

“Let the data speak for itself. ”

1. Suggests that data is a singular, monolithic entity 2. Presents data as autonomous 3. Assumes that what data “says” is self evident 4. Portrays data as a marginalized voice, and design as a tool of empowerment

“Put the data in context…” “Data are not generic. There is a value to analysing data abstractions, yet retaining context remains critical, particularly for certain lines of inquiry. Context is hard to interpret at scale and even harder when data are reduced to fit into a model. Managing context in light of Big Data will be an ongoing challenge. ” boyd and Crawford, 2012

Context (n) “The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood. ” Oxford English Dictionary

[ Case ] Zillow. com - a marketplace for sales and rentals

[ Approach ] Close readings for critical data studies “To unpack the complex assemblages that produce, circulate, share/sell and utilise data in diverse ways; to chart the diverse work they do and their consequences for how the world is known, governed and lived-in. ” Kitchin and Lauriault, 2014

Models of context in computing representational, interactional | operational

Representational Interactional ”…context consists of a set of features of the environment surrounding generic activities, and that these features can be encoded and made available to a software system. ” “Context isn’t something that describes a setting; it is something that people do. ” Dourish, 2003

Operational Context An analytical, discursive, and procedural setting where data are made accessible, interpretable and actionable.

Zillow. com (b. 2006)

“Data want to be free. ” Zillow Webinar 2015

“Zestimate: a free, unbiased, estimated value. . . ” -Stan Humphries

“Procedural rhetoric is the practice of using processes persuasively, just as verbal rhetoric is the practice of using oratory persuasively and visual rhetoric is the practice of using images persuasively. " Bogost, 2010

Context must be unpacked from data assemblages

Photo: American Friends Service Committee / Bryan Vana

Conclusion Question not just data, but its analytical, discursive, and procedural context.

ALLTHEHOMES. * Zillow and the operational context of data Yanni Loukissas | yanni. loukissas@lmc. gatech. edu/