With Florian Dohmann through the world of Big Dada

Harvard Business Review already named it the "sexiest job" of the 21st century. Data scientists are currently in demand like almost no other profession – but what exactly does a data scientist do?

We asked someone who should know - and received a good hour of exciting, witty and provocative answers and numerous food for thought.

Florian Dohmann is Senior Data Scientist and Data Thinker at the unbelievable machine company (*um). At the start of his talk on big data, he drew, quite classically, on Wikipedia – only to immediately point out a shortcoming in the definition of data science given there.

According to the online encyclopaedia, the job of a data scientist is "to generate information from large volumes of data and derive recommendations for action that enable the company to work more efficiently."

The business use of data, Florian noted, is a common but by no means the only use case for data science – because at its core, data science simply means generating insights from data.

Whether entrepreneurial, scientific, societal, political or artistic - how people use the insights of data science should, in principle, remain open. An important distinction, because Florian's informative and entertaining ride through the world of data and algorithms shouldn't be limited to the economic usability of big data.

As a data scientist, Florian not only develops data solutions for organisations. He is also, as part of a creative trio, initiator of various art projects that critically engage with the topics of data usage, privacy and data protection. But starting from the beginning: Florian first explained clearly, with numerous practical examples, how big data can help organisations answer questions and solve problems.

Buzzwords such as digital transformation, disruption or revolution are currently, as is well known, occupying companies of every size. Those responsible often view terms such as big data, Industry 4.0 or the Internet of Things more as a threat than an opportunity – which is usually linked to a sense of disorientation or fear in the face of ever-new trends and requirements.

What is actually possible with big data was shown by Florian using illuminating examples such as optimising the downtime of wind turbines. Along the way, he used a strikingly simple example – the spam filter in e-mail applications – to explain what AI (artificial intelligence) means and how it is programmed.

Florian devoted the second part of his talk to his art projects. Particularly striking: the project Datenmarkt, a fully fitted-out supermarket on Eppendorfer Landstraße in Hamburg, where customers could pay with private Facebook photos or messages instead of money.

There was already a loaf of toast bread on offer for five Facebook photos. Customers entered their Facebook username and password at the checkout. During the experiment, the artists found that young people in particular often see no problem in giving away their personal data in exchange for cheap tinned fruit, for example.

Using examples like these, Florian illustrated that, in the context of big data, it's not only business questions that arise but also concrete political and ethical ones, which affect every one of us individually just as much as society as a whole.

With Florian's closing remark ("Any questions ... Or beer?"), the evening moved into its chatty, relaxed part. Over snacks and drinks, we discussed data, art and our personal social media behaviour with Florian.

About ISpiration

ISpiration is the lecture series by interactive tools. Once a quarter, selected experts inform and inspire on current topics from the digital world.