Most of us take frequent trips to the local supermarket. Even in times of social distancing, the supermarket run is still an important part of our daily lives, often done on an 'auto-pilot' mode. In this process, without realising it, we may give away data that can be used to shape our cities: from being offered a more personalised and convenient shopping experience to unknowingly informing artificial intelligence tracking models that could be used more broadly in our movements through the city.

Could we transform this ordinary supermarket trip into a playful exploration of our datafied environments? If you are curious, next time you go to your local supermarket, play the 'data walk' game! You might be quite surprised by what you discover!

start

Before you leave for the supermarket, take a moment to think about what 'data' may be. Formulate a definition in your own words, based on these considerations:

> Quickly check for any personal devices that you take with you.
> How are you getting to the supermarket?
> Is there a particular aspect around data that interests you most?

Leaving the house, start to look out for 'data nodes' along your way: places where data are generated, collected or through which data travel. Some are visible, some might be hidden. Repeat the process inside the supermarket:

> Keep a mental record of what you encounter.
> For each data node identified, try to consider what data are collected, by whom and for what purposes.
> Keep in mind those areas that feel 'data busy' or 'data calm', and areas that reflect your definition of 'data'.

When you get back home, draw a mental map of all the data nodes that you have identified. Relate them to the physical environment (e.g., street, shop) and highlight one specific node that drew your attention:

> Organise the data nodes into categories / themes and use your creativity to map them!
> Reflect on the data node that you've highlighted: why does this spark your interest? Note down your answer.
> Try to imagine the journey of data through this data node: what kinds of data, where do they go, who can use them and to what aims?

Reflecting on your mapping, tell a story about your 'mental data map':

> Think about how you defined, observed, or mapped the data.
> Try to connect all the data nodes into one story, using your categories / themes to structure it.
> Focus on the data node that sparked your interest and the imaginary journey of data through it.
> Consider anything that surprised you during your exploration and/or mapping: has this changed your initial definition of 'data'?

Tips:

> where (when) safe, involve your kids in spotting 'data nodes' - it could make your supermarket run even more fun!
> let your imagination free: use lego pieces or cardboard packaging to tell your story (4) and/or make your 'action' (5).
> share your mapping and story with the R-City Community and see what others have found:

Consider a potential 'action' inspired by your story.

What you could do:
> Go online and search for any controversies related to your story and/or data node of interest (for example, customer tracking vs privacy).
> Think about the data node that sparked your interest and imagine another journey for data through it: how might this change your data story?
> Make an object or a diagram as 'answer' to the main observation included in your story.

end

1. Define [5-10']

2. Explore [30'- up to you]

3. Map [20' - 40']

4. Narrate [20' - 30']

5. Make [30' - up to you]

How datafied is your supermarket trip?