The Databall_ Pinball Machine Helps Visualize Data Online
Justin Lam — October 22, 2018 — Art & Design
References: felixmollinga & designacademy.nl
While it may appear as a strange avant-garde art piece, the databall_ pinball machine actually helps visualize the flow of personal data. Designed by Felix Mollinga, this unique machine was presented at 2018's Dutch Design Week. This visualization of data mainly focuses on the flow of personal data and covers all aspects of daily life, including chat history, uploaded photos and online purchases.
The game involves the use of 60 silver spheres and various structures on the machine representing data traders, the government, supervising authorities and criminals. The spheres are meant to represent personal data and the player accumulates points when they hit data trader pop-bumpers and ultimately lose when they get hacked. When the game ends, it asks the question: "Do we continue to play this game, knowing that we forfeit our data?"
The game involves the use of 60 silver spheres and various structures on the machine representing data traders, the government, supervising authorities and criminals. The spheres are meant to represent personal data and the player accumulates points when they hit data trader pop-bumpers and ultimately lose when they get hacked. When the game ends, it asks the question: "Do we continue to play this game, knowing that we forfeit our data?"
Trend Themes
1. Data Visualization - The Databall_ pinball machine offers a unique way to visualize personal data and its flow.
2. Privacy Concerns - The game highlights the increasing importance of privacy and raises awareness about the risks associated with data trading.
3. Gamification of Data - The use of a pinball game to represent personal data creates an engaging and interactive experience for users.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The Databall_ pinball machine presents an opportunity for the gaming industry to explore innovative ways of incorporating data visualization into gameplay.
2. Data Security - With the focus on data flow and privacy, the Databall_ pinball machine raises opportunities for the data security industry to develop new solutions and technologies.
3. Digital Marketing - The visualization of personal data in the pinball game can inspire the digital marketing industry to find creative ways to communicate data privacy and build trust with consumers.
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