Data literacy is a key enabler of the value and impact from data. How are you approaching this within your organization?
Data literacy is crucial for unlocking the full value and impact of data within our organization. We approach this challenge by first understanding the specific abilities and needs of our users, then engaging them in meaningful conversations about data. We develop data products designed to not only address key questions but also encourage further exploration, leading to richer insights and more informed decision-making.
Our approach to data literacy incorporates design-thinking sessions as a cornerstone of data product development. These sessions not only focus on generating user-centric products; they establish data as a gateway to broader, more strategic conversations. By focusing on users’ biggest queries and encouraging an environment where asking more becomes the norm, we transform data from a static asset into a dynamic tool for exploration and discovery.
A key aspect of data literacy is transforming the users’ understanding of, and relationship with data. Data literacy is more than comprehending numbers; it is about seeing data as a pathway to insights and solutions, especially in a complex field like tourism.
Integral to fostering data literacy is ensuring access to timely and relevant data; we have spearheaded the development of the Canadian Tourism Data Collective. This initiative will establish a centralized, secure platform for exchanging data within the tourism ecosystem, fostering collaboration and informed decision-making across communities, governments, and industry. By filling a significant gap revealed during the pandemic – a lack of a centralized source of reliable tourism intelligence – the Data Collective aims to provide a lasting competitive edge for Canada’s economy. It will simplify access to high-quality data and insights, streamlining the process by consolidating information into a single, comprehensive platform.
In today’s complex and connected world, working together is key to our success. Data literacy acts like a bridge, bringing together different groups through discussions, tools, and analysis. Our way of collaborating, which is based on a thoughtful approach to solving problems and creating solutions, highlights how important it is for all of us to have a common understanding of data. This shared knowledge helps us tackle current challenges and grab future opportunities.