Something
strange happened at the recent PeopleFront and the PSFK conferences. The
PeopleFront, based on the importance of data driven solutions, led to a
discussion of the importance of the creative. PSFK, based on the importance of
creative ideas, devoted the afternoon to big data, artificial intelligence, IBM’s
Watson, cognitive computing and analytical insights. Hey, what gives here?
At the Peoplefront, Facebooks Director of Ads Research, Daniel Slotwiner noted that "we are all working on data strategy; Data for insights, data for outcomes. But creative is one of the most important things. We can get the right eyeballs in right time and right format but what if it is bad content?"
At PSFK, the discussion of data was intertwined with the creativity of invention. Steven Dean, author of the book, Quantified Self noted that “most individuals don't know what big data means. But if it helps to build the right products it is providing value to consumer.” Tara Greer, EVP/Executive Creative Director, platforms at DEUTSCH LA added that we are “living in big data environment; the Internet of things involving body, health, in home, in vehicles. (For example there are) smart chopsticks to see if you are eating reused oil.”
At the Peoplefront, Facebooks Director of Ads Research, Daniel Slotwiner noted that "we are all working on data strategy; Data for insights, data for outcomes. But creative is one of the most important things. We can get the right eyeballs in right time and right format but what if it is bad content?"
At PSFK, the discussion of data was intertwined with the creativity of invention. Steven Dean, author of the book, Quantified Self noted that “most individuals don't know what big data means. But if it helps to build the right products it is providing value to consumer.” Tara Greer, EVP/Executive Creative Director, platforms at DEUTSCH LA added that we are “living in big data environment; the Internet of things involving body, health, in home, in vehicles. (For example there are) smart chopsticks to see if you are eating reused oil.”
How much is
data impacting the creative process? For some at the PSFK conference, it helps
in curating content. According to Cloth’s co-founder Seth Porges, “Big data is
important when assessing different content. It can help curate content for you.”
For others it is a gut check. Dean says that he “thinks about the data, but I
opt for experiences that are narrative and storytelling - Not numbers. I must make
meaning out of the data that is there.”
In the world
of gaming, the subtle use of behavior modifiers, including the use of a certain
color, is tested. Jamin Warren, founder of Kill Screen, explained the phenomena
of GamerGate and the misogyny in the gaming world. “There are flaws in how we
communicate online. (We have experimented with) changing color of text to see
if it impacts behavior.”
But when does data cross over the line? How much is too much? Greer explained that there is a “gap between big data and big wisdom. Measurement used to be an epiphany but there are challenges to move beyond the data to create meaningful experiences.” Porges added, “You run the risk of losing taste when you apply too much data. (You) need a chance to experiment outside the data.”
But when does data cross over the line? How much is too much? Greer explained that there is a “gap between big data and big wisdom. Measurement used to be an epiphany but there are challenges to move beyond the data to create meaningful experiences.” Porges added, “You run the risk of losing taste when you apply too much data. (You) need a chance to experiment outside the data.”
There is a
“big moral question” according to Greer regarding data privacy. “More people
are cognizant today but years ago big data was utopian. Now there is a big
rebellion against big data.” But Dean admitted that “there are some aspects of
my life that I would like to leave up to an algorithm, like what should I eat,
for example.” In a perfect, more on-demand world, data could be used as a
benevolent influencer. Tegan Faan, founder at Gigit said, “Data in an algorithm
can give me simplicity. It can make my life simpler and match people to their
unique interests. Personalization.”
In my experience, creative and quant have had a love/ hate relationship. Research could be held up by creators as a vindication of their gut instincts or a report card of their lacking performance. But I have always felt that the two disciplines are intertwined. If data is the messenger, it is the content that forms the message. Without either you just have meaningless noise.
In my experience, creative and quant have had a love/ hate relationship. Research could be held up by creators as a vindication of their gut instincts or a report card of their lacking performance. But I have always felt that the two disciplines are intertwined. If data is the messenger, it is the content that forms the message. Without either you just have meaningless noise.
This article first appeared in www.Mediapost.com
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