Introduction & System Analysis

Problem Overview

What is the problem? Define the problem clearly and concisely.

Why is it significant? Explain why this problem matters and its broader implications.

Who does it affect? Identify the communities, populations, or stakeholders impacted by this problem.

Describe the existing data initiative or algorithm that aims to address this problem.

Describe the stated purpose and goals of the system.

Identify the users, implementers, and decision-makers.

Explain the significance and scale of this system.

Where did the data come from? Identify the original sources of the data.
Who collected it? Name the organizations, institutions, or individuals responsible for data collection.
When was it collected? Specify the time period and frequency of data collection.
How was it collected? Describe the methods and tools used for data collection.

Who controls the data? Identify who has ownership and decision-making power over the data.
Who has access? Describe who can access, use, or analyze the data.
What are the access restrictions? Explain any barriers to data access.

Critically examine what data is not collected or included. Consider:

Which communities or perspectives are excluded?
What variables or dimensions are absent?
Why might certain data be missing? (intentional exclusion, lack of resources, structural barriers, etc.)
How do these absences shape what the data can and cannot tell us?

Examine how power operates in relation to this problem and data initiative.

What institutions are involved? How do they shape the problem and the data initiative?

Who funds this initiative? What economic interests are at play?

Who has the power to collect, analyze, and interpret the data? Who doesn't?

Whose stories are told through this data? Whose are silenced?

Why does this matter to you? Reflect on your personal connection to this topic.

What is your relationship to this data or community? Consider your own position, privileges, and limitations in relation to the research.

How might your perspective shape your analysis? Acknowledge how your background and experiences influence your interpretation.