Living in Data

In "Living in Data," data artist Jer Thorp shares his journey of creating algorithms to inscribe names on the 9/11 Memorial, emphasizing a human-centered approach to data. By focusing on "meaningful adjacencies" among names, Thorp achieved an impressive 99.99 percent optimization, surpassing a competing team's efforts. His work, spanning various prestigious institutions and locations worldwide, illustrates how viewing data as a medium for personal and community growth can lead to better problem-solving and foster a healthier relationship with the information we encounter. Ultimately, Thorp advocates for moving beyond the impersonal nature of the "big data" era to prioritize human well-being.