Small data
Definition
Small data (sm’aē’āll DH(ə)ta) is data that is small enough size for human comprehension.[1][2] It is data in a volume and format that makes it accessible, informative and actionable.[3]
The term "big data" is about machines and "small data" is about people.[4] About one quarter of the human brain is involved in visual processing. The only way to comprehend Big data is to reduce the data into small, visually-appealing objects representing various aspects of large data sets or data "features" that can be understood by humans (such as histogram describing data projections and relationships, charts, scatter plots).
A formal definition of small data has been proposed by Allen Bonde, VP of Innovation at Actuate: "Small data connects people with timely, meaningful insights (derived from big data and/or “local” sources), organized and packaged – often visually – to be accessible, understandable, and actionable for everyday tasks."[5]
Alternative definitions of small data are:
- The small set of specific attributes produced by the Internet of Things. These are typically a small set of sensor data such as temperature, wind speed, vibration and status.[6]
- According to Martin Lindstrom, in his book, Small Data: "Seemingly insignificant behavioral observations containing very specific attributes pointing towards an unmet customer need. Small data is the foundation for break through ideas or completely new ways to turnaround brands."[7]
Further Information
Bonde has written extensively about the topic for Forbes,[8] Direct Marketing News,[9] CMO.com[10] and other publications.
References
- ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/apr/25/forget-big-data-small-data-revolution
- ↑ http://jwork.org/main/node/18
- ↑ http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/small-data
- ↑ http://www.eweek.com/enterprise-apps/small-data-analysis-the-next-big-thing-advocates-assert.html/
- ↑ http://smalldatagroup.com/2013/10/18/defining-small-data/
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikekavis/2015/02/25/forget-big-data-small-data-is-driving-the-internet-of-things/#4a72ffad661b
- ↑ https://www.martinlindstrom.com/small-data/
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/markfidelman/2012/10/30/these-smart-social-apps-bring-big-data-down-to-size/
- ↑ http://www.dmnews.com/why-small-data-is-the-next-big-thing-for-marketers/article/308376/
- ↑ http://www.cmo.com/content/cmo-com/home/articles/2013/11/20/think_small_time_for.html