Data Visioning Strategies

Intertidal Agency

The term “data visioning” describes the process of efficiently aligning data with purpose. Net Gains led a scoping project to interview data system experts, producing a white paper that defines data visioning and shares lessons and best practices. 

We found that the concept of data visioning strongly resonates with data experts, who felt data visioning can take many forms, ranging from formal initiatives mapping data systems to goals and purpose, to less formal approaches to embracing the quality of being visionary and making space for forward-looking discussions. We propose a working definition of data visioning that involves reflecting on the questions we want to ask of our data now and in the future, the capabilities we require from our information systems, and the steps needed to implement this vision. We believe data visioning can help guide and add value to all data system improvement efforts, large and small. The lessons learned and best practices identified in this report can serve as a resource to bolster the success of any data improvement project or visioning process.