Step 06 · Observe

The General Data Journey

Follow information from an everyday event to the people who use it.

06Journey
Conceptual journey

From an event to useful information

This overview explains the journey without introducing technical architectures or implementation tools.

Six-stage journey of university course registration data
Figure 6. A conceptual journey of university course-registration data.

Six general stages

Generated

An activity or event creates information.

Collected

The information is recorded by an organisation or digital service.

Organised

Related records are arranged so they can be managed.

Checked and prepared

Problems that reduce trust or usability are identified.

Made available

Authorised people or applications can obtain the information.

Used

The data supports a service, report, decision or other organisational need.

Example: course registration

A student selects a course. The registration is recorded and connected to the student and course information. The university checks the record and makes appropriate information available to students, lecturers and administrators. Each user sees the information needed for a different purpose.